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Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version. If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options. BIOMASS DENSIFICATION – CUBING OPERATIONS AND COSTS FOR CORN STOVERPublished by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org Citation: Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 20(4): 495-499. (doi: 10.13031/2013.16480) @2004Authors: S. Sokhansanj, A. F. Turhollow Keywords: Cubing costs, Corn stover, Densification Loose plant-based biomass has a low bulk density ranging from 50 to 130 kg/m3 depending on the plant species, particle density, and particle size. Biomass densified into bales and cubes increases its bulk density to 120 to 500 kg/m3. The handling properties of pellets and cubes are similar to those properties for grains. The existing, well-developed, conventional bulk handling equipment can be used to handle pelleted and cubed biomass. Although cubed biomass is easier and safer to handle and store, it is more expensive as a feedstock for a conversion plant than biomass bales. The objective of this research was to develop a base cost for cubing using the existing technology. The cost of corn stover bales delivered to a biorefinery 64 km (40 miles) away from an intermediate storage, including a final grinding, was estimated at $60.15/dry Mg ($54.57/dry ton), whereas the cost for corn stover cubes is $71.92/dry Mg ($65.38/dry ton). These costs included $11/dry Mg ($10/dry ton) payment to the farmer. The difference between the cost of baled and cubed biomass was in capital equipment and operation costs. (Download PDF) (Export to EndNotes)
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