Additives in biomass pellets for improvements in physical properties

This study‘s primary objective was to show the impact of different additives on southern yellow pine biomass pellet properties including the energy consumed in production, durability, and BTU content. A pneumatic pelleting device was constructed to allow more precise production of each pellet, while mimicking industry‘s machinery. A specific moisture and temperature was selected to obtain optimum quality before additives were used. Statistical analysis showed that additives had a significant effect on each of the three tested parameters. The energy consumption results showed that corn starch at 4 wt% consumed the least mean amount of energy for production, 3358.67 kJ/kg. Durability results revealed that corn starch at a 4 wt% had the highest mean retained material at 90.527%. BTU content results showed fractionated bio oil at a 4 wt% had the highest mean content of 9182.487 BTU/lb.