We’re researching how to create high-value products from the forest residues left after timber operations so they can be used for bioenergy and bio-based products.
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The project’s expected outcomes are:
Improved feedstock collection, processing, and transportation
We will evaluate new forest residue collection and handling techniques that increase the quality and accessibility of forest residues and improve the economics of using forest residue feedstocks in biomass conversion technologies, including forest residue sorting and management during harvesting operations, baling and pre-hauling options for various forest residue types, and locating centralized processing sites under an optimized work condition. We will also develop a landscape scale feedstock development scheduling model to optimize the selection of production pathways including collection, comminution, product upgrading (moisture control, densification, and in-woods biomass conversion), and transportation in order to identify pathway streams that maximize net revenue while reducing adverse environmental impacts.
Incorporation of baler technology for pre-processing forest residues
Significant attention will be given to the densification of loose forest residues within the forest in order to improve the economics of handling, storing, and transporting forest residues. Achieving densification of loose forest residues by bundling them prior to comminution has been explored in the past, but has not been widely adopted. Densification by baling, an alternative densification technology being explored by our industry partner Forest Concepts Inc., will be incorporated into our decision support model. This baling technology may make it possible to pre-process forest residues on site in remote or difficult to access forest areas where there are lower amounts of available forest residues.
Improved production and mobility of biochar, torrefaction, and briquette machines
The Conversion Technologies team proposes to develop and test three biomass conversion technologies: specifically a biochar production system, a torrefier, and a briquetter. The conversion technologies are aimed at increasing the value of biomass feedstock and reducing transportation costs to deliver competitively priced products to market. The technologies being assessed include (1) production of biochar, which can be used as a soil amendment and carbon sequestration tool or as an input for other products such as activated charcoal, (2) a torrefaction (pyrolysis) system that can be used as a direct substitute for coal in existing power plants and (3) a densification system that produces briquetted biomass fuel for use in industrial power or heat production.
Improved knowledge of the application of biochar to forest soils
Recent research has highlighted the effectiveness of biochar as a soil amendment in helping to achieve higher levels of carbon sequestration in agriculture and forestry. Research is needed to better understand the impacts of biochar as an amendment to forest soils. While some work has been done, especially on agricultural soils, far less research has been done with interactions of biochar and forest soils. Because biochar changes a soil’s cation retention characteristics, elemental analysis for beneficial nutrient levels is necessary as well as analysis of possible contaminants such as mercury, cadmium, and arsenic that could be deposited by prevailing winds. In addition, biochar can alter soil water-holding capacity, particularly in low fertility, coarse-textured soils. Given that forests are important regulators of water quality and flow, an understanding of the positive, as well as possible negative, interactions of forest soils and biochar is especially important.
New knowledge quantifying the life cycle of biomass conversion products
The project will evaluate the economic feasibility, along with the social and environmental impacts, of the three proposed in-woods biomass conversion technologies. Incorporated into these evaluations will be integrated analyses of the sorting, collection and comminution operations. A life cycle analysis will be performed to identify tradeoffs between uses from both an economic and environmental perspective. A community outreach program will help to identify local concerns as well as establish effective communications between the project team and the local community(ies) and promote the adoption of the biomass conversion technologies.
Improved knowledge of economic and marketing potentials
The short-term economic viability of the proposed biomass conversion technologies requires that the revenue stream generated from each biomass conversion technology exceed the capital and operating costs associated with that particular technology. An understanding of the potential demand for bioenergy products within domestic and international markets is important in developing business strategies for bringing these products to market.
Increased awareness and education of bioenergy and bio-based products
The study will directly affect the development of new policies and strategies in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions through the substitution of fossil fuels and petroleum based fuels. This will also improve overall economic development throughout the United States. The proposed research will provide public outreach and technology transfer to relevant industries as well.
Compliments other bioenergy research projects
W2W research compliments other efforts from projects funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy to generate bioenergy and bio-based products from crop and forest residues. Other projects include the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance, the Bioenergy Alliance Network of the Rockies, the Southeastern Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems, and Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest.
