Optimization of binder addition and compression load for pelletization of wheat straw using response surface methodology

Authors

  • Lu Donghui College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
  • Lope G. Tabil Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N 5A9 SK, Canada
  • Wang Decheng College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
  • Wang Guanghui College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
  • Wang Zhiqin College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25165/ijabe.v7i6.1098

Keywords:

biomass, wheat straw pellet, binder, wood residue, bentonite, crude glycerol, RSM, compression load

Abstract

Abstract: Densification is required for efficiently handling and transporting biomass as feedstock for biofuel production. Binders can enhance straw pellet strength and improve the pellet performance. The present investigation aimed to optimize binders and compression load for wheat straw pelletization using a single pelleting unit. Response surface methodology was employed by using a four-factor, five-level central composite design with wood residue (%, w/w), bentonite (%, w/w), crude glycerol (%, w/w), and compression load (N) as process parameters. The pellet tensile strength, specific energy consumption of pelleting, and pellet density were the response variables. The higher heating value, ash content of the pellet product and the cost of the feedstock were also considered in optimizing binder addition. The developed model fitted the data and was adequate for binder analysis and optimization. Wheat straw pellet, with the addition of 30% wood residue, 0.80% bentonite, and 3.42% crude glycerol, in addition to 4 000 N of compressive load, was identified as optimal with good performance of pellet tensile strength (1.14 MPa), specific energy consumption (32.6 kJ/kg), and pellet density (1 094 kg/m3) as well as low ash content (6.13%) and high heating value (18.64 MJ/kg). Confirmation tests indicated high accuracy of the model. Keywords: biomass, wheat straw pellet, binder, wood residue, bentonite, crude glycerol, RSM, compression load DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe.20140706.009 Citation: Lu D H, Tabil L G, Wang D C, Wang G H, Wang Z Q. Optimization of binder addition and compression load for pelletization of wheat straw using response surface methodology. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2014; 7(6): 67－78.

Author Biographies

Lu Donghui, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

PhD, Tel: +86-10-62737147, Fax: +86-10-62737208.

Lope G. Tabil, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N 5A9 SK, Canada

PhD, PEng, Professor, Tel: +1-306-9665317, Fax: +1-306-9665334

Wang Decheng, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

PhD, Professor. Mailing address: P.O. Box 134, No.17 Qinghuadonglu, Beijing, 100083 China. Tel: +86-10-62737208, Fax: +86-10-62737208.

Wang Guanghui, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

PhD, Associate Professor. Tel: +86-10-62737845

Wang Zhiqin, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

PhD, Associate Professor

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Published

2014-12-30

How to Cite

Donghui, L., Tabil, L. G., Decheng, W., Guanghui, W., & Zhiqin, W. (2014). Optimization of binder addition and compression load for pelletization of wheat straw using response surface methodology. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 7(6), 67–78. https://doi.org/10.25165/ijabe.v7i6.1098

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 6 (2014): IJABE

Section

Renewable Energy and Material Systems

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