Tag Archives: biomass

327–336 A. Brunerová, J. Pecen, M. Brožek and T. Ivanova
Mechanical durability of briquettes from digestate in different storage conditions
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Mechanical durability of briquettes from digestate in different storage conditions

A. Brunerová¹*, J. Pecen², M. Brožek¹ and T. Ivanova²

¹Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Engineering, Department of
Material Science and Manufacturing Technology, Kamýcká 129, CZ 165 00 Prague,
Czech Republic
²Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences,
Department of Sustainable Technologies, Kamýcká 129, CZ 165 00 Prague,
Czech Republic
*Correspondence: brunerova@tf.czu.cz

Abstract:

A present research was conducted to determine mechanical durability of digestate briquettes and potential influence of different storage condition. Experiments were performed on briquette samples produced from digestate feedstock with moisture content of 8.2%, ash content of 10.9% and gross calorific value of 17.15 MJ kg-1 by hydraulic piston press with working pressure of 18 MPa with external diameter 50 mm and length 40–60 mm. Briquette samples were divided into two groups and stored inside and outside building. Both groups were subjected to five experimental testing during specific time period from May until late November 2014. Mechanical durability of each briquette was measured after every testing, subsequently overall mechanical durability of specific groups was calculated. Results showed the lowest mechanical durability after first measurement: 98.85% for Group 1 and 98.95% for Group 2. The biggest change in mechanical durability was observed between first and second testing, values of following measurements were approximately equal. The highest mechanical durability was achieved after fifth testing: 99.65% for Group 1 and 99.63% for Group 2. It implied mechanical durability equal to 99.44% for Group 1 and 99.45% for Group 2 in average. Research proved very high mechanical durability which corresponds to the highest category of this quality indicator given by standard EN ISO 17225-1. Difference between mechanical durability of groups stored in different conditions was considered as minor. Thereby briquettes made from digestate are not only secondary product of proper waste management, effectively modified fertilizer but as was found by results of this research it is also suitable fuel with outstanding mechanical properties.

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109–122 D. Lazdiņa, S. Šēnhofa, M. Zeps, K. Makovskis, I. Bebre and Ā. Jansons
The early growth and fall frost damage of poplar clones in Latvia
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The early growth and fall frost damage of poplar clones in Latvia

D. Lazdiņa*, S. Šēnhofa, M. Zeps, K. Makovskis, I. Bebre and Ā. Jansons

Latvian State Forest Research Institute ʻSilava’, Rigas 111, LV 2169 Salaspils, Latvia
*Correspondence: dagnija.lazdina@silava.lv

Abstract:

The early growth and frost damage of Populus spp. was studied in two sites. The height of 23 five-year-old poplar clones was measured in the central part of Latvia; and the early-fall frost damage of 19 one-year-old and two-year-old poplar clones were assessed in the eastern part of Latvia. The relation between the height growth and frost damage of 16 clones, which were common for both sites, was assessed. The phenologically dormant stage was denoted for three clones, among which two are collected across Latvia (the origin un-known; introduced in 1960s). All the other clones had trees with damaged leaves and two clones had stem damage. The height of the clones ranged from 273.3 ± 60.2 to 711.0 ± 32.0 cm. The 3 most productive clones (LV3, LV1 and LV4) significantly (P < 0.01) exceeded others, by 34 and 65% for height and biomass, respectively. The mean height of these clones was 649.0 ± 21.5 cm and stem biomass varied from 33.7 ± 4.2 to 55.0 ± 6.4 tfresh=ha-1 (planting density 6,500 trees=ha-1). The clone had significant (P < 0.01) effect on the phenological stage, leaf and stem frost damage, as well as on the height and stem biomass. No relation (P > 0.05) between the frost damage of leaves and both tree height and stem biomass was found. The results suggest that fast-growing frost-tolerant clones might be selected.

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319-328 S. Kalinauskaitė,, A. Sakalauskas, E. Šarauskis, A. Jasinskasand M. Ahlhaus
Relation of energy content variations of straw to the fraction size, humidity, composition and environmental impact
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Relation of energy content variations of straw to the fraction size, humidity, composition and environmental impact

S. Kalinauskaitė¹,*, A. Sakalauskas¹, E. Šarauskis¹, A. Jasinskas¹and M. Ahlhaus²

¹Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Studentų g. 11, Akademija, Kauno r.LT-53361, Lithuania; *Correspondence: solveiga.kalinauskaite@gmail.com
²Fachhochschule Stralsund, Institut für Regenerative Energie Systeme (IRES),Zur Schwedenschanze 15, 18435 Stralsund, Germany

Abstract:

Biomass is the major source of renewable energy, the use of which is very importantin energy, environment and economical aspects. Biomass enables the replacement of fossilfuels, the importance of biomass usage is related to global warming questions. Biomassmoisture content is one of the main factors affecting straw preparation for the usage cost.In this research the main focus is on straw and different biomass composition and how itinfluences the solid biofuels preparation for usage, paying attention to straw fraction, humidity,composition and finally how it influences the energy and environmental aspects. Testedsamples consist of different composition- raw straw, 100% yellow straw pellets, 100% greystraw pellets, 98% straw pellets with 2% additives, 50% straw and 50% hay pellets, 49% strawand 49% hay pellets with 2% additives, 100% hay pellets, 98% hay pellets with 2% additivesand additionally two samples of straw briquettes with different chop size – (20 mm) and(30 mm and 10 mm). This research pays attention to the main material characteristics –moisture value, ash content, HHV (higher heating value), pyrolysis coke. Research results willhelp to find the best biomass pellet and briquette composition for solid biofuel usage. Duringthe research it was found that the lowest moisture value was 98% hay pellets with 2% CaOadditive – 5.79%. Highest amount of ash value was found in 50% straw and 50% haycomposition pellets – 0.021 g. Highest amount of HHV were tested pellets which consisted of98% hay with 2% CaO additives. Highest amount of pyrolysis coke in organic and dry matterwere in 100% yellow straw tested samples.Achieved results will help to estimate material fraction, humidity and composition on biomasspreparation for conversion steps, following biomass usage energy and environmentrequirements. These research results will help to realise further tasks of agricultural biomassusage in practice.

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115-122 S. Kalinauskaite, A. Sakalauskas, E. Šarauskis, A. Jasinskas, M. Ahlhaus and H. Gerath
Biomass preparation for conversion humidity and value assessment
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Biomass preparation for conversion humidity and value assessment

S. Kalinauskaite, A. Sakalauskas, E. Šarauskis, A. Jasinskas¹, M. Ahlhaus² and H. Gerath³

¹Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Studentų g. 11, Akademija, Kauno r. LT-53361,
Lithuania; e-mail: solveiga.kalinauskaite@gmail.com
²Fachhochschule Stralsund, Institut für Regenerative EnergieSysteme (IRES), Zur
Schwedenschanze 15, 18435 Stralsund, Germany;
e-mail: Matthias.Ahlhaus@fh-stralsund.de
³Hochschule Wismar, Philipp-Müller-Straße PF 1210 Wismar 23952, Germany;
e-mail: horst.gerath@hs-wismar.de

Abstract:

Biomass usage for heat and energy purposes is one of the questions which still required more detailed analysis and scientific research. In this research we have focused on an analysis of humidity correlation on biomass preparation to conversion steps and calorific value assessment. The concept of biomass is widely understood, and in this research the chosen research object is agricultural, biomass with a main focus on straw, and additionally for results comparison are analyzed samples, composition are a mixture of straw and hay, with an additional 2% lime additive. For this research analyzed samples and their humidity for production steps is: one chop size reduction (20 mm) straw briquettes, two chops size reduction (30 mm and 10 mm) straw briquettes, pallets composition of 100% straw, 98% straw incl. 2% lime additive, 50% straw and 50% hay, 49% straw and 49% hay incl. 2% lime additive, 100% hay, 98% hay incl. 2% lime additive. Samples of straw and hay mixture, also with a lime additive is choosen because it is discussed widely that not only is it possible to use surplus straw from agricultural biomass as renewable energy and heat source, as a lime additive helps to keep a higher temperature on the combustion process and to generate more energy, but it is not healthy for the plant and not recommended under environmental aspects. The results received will help to estimate and determine the material humidity impact on biomass preparation for conversion steps, following an energy requirement for the production of briquettes and pallets, combustion factor and efficiency. It is defined as material calorific, HHV (higher heating value) and ash content which is one of the main factors and the criteria for fuel valuation will allow to determine tested samples further usage for heat and energy purposes. The research results will help further research tasks on bio energy as an agricultural biomass usage.

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33-38 V. Dubrovin and M. Melnychuk
Cleaner Production of Biomass and Biofuels
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Cleaner Production of Biomass and Biofuels

V. Dubrovin and M. Melnychuk

National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
15 Geroiv Oborony Str., 03041 Kiev, Ukraine
e-mail: dubrovin@nauu.kiev.ua; maksym@nauu.kiev.ua

Abstract:

Ukrainian agriculture is an industry which produces a huge quantity of biomass. The main part of the biomass potential is made up by straw. By moderate estimations only 20% of the total amount of straw can be used for energy production. All plant growing and biomass processing technologies can be based on cleaner production methodology. Only a few ecological options in corn growing technology gave real profit, which was ca 220 UAH per hectare. The main steps for rearing Trichogramma insects are technical services in laboratory conditions and soft implementation of them on agricultural plants by special aircraft. The most important result of the research is an overview of the possibilities of Ukraine to cover up to 12% of the total primary biomass energy demand for cleaner biofuel production.

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436-443 B. Petkeviciene
The effects of climate factors on sugar beet early sowing timing
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The effects of climate factors on sugar beet early sowing timing

B. Petkeviciene

Rumokai Research Station of the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculturepost LT-4293 Zalioji, district Vilkaviskis, Lithuanian;tel: +370-342-49422, +370-342-49435; e-mail: rumokai@post.omnitel.net

Abstract:

Important environmental variables that affect determination of sugar beet growing processes are temperature, precipitation and soil moisture. The optimal time for sugar beet sowing was determined in the variety testing trial conducted at the Rumokai Research Station of the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture during the period 2000–2006. This time was found to be when the mean daily temperature for three subsequent days reached the limit of base air temperatures (> 10ºC). The sowing time was found to strongly correlate (r = 0.9*) with the amount of precipitation and accumulated base temperatures (> 5ºC) in March and May. The potential of sugar beet root biomass and white sugar correlated moderately strongly with the duration of the growing season (r = 0.55 and 0.62) and sowing time (r = −0.64 and −0.70).Data from the sowing timing trial averaged over the period 2000–2004 suggests that in thecase of early sowing the soil moisture at sowing depth was 16.3. With the delay of sowing soil moisture decreased. At early sowing the stand density was by 3.3  lower compared with the average (99,900 plants ha-1). One week’s delay in sowing reduced roots by 4.7 t ha-1 and white sugar 0.9 t ha-1 and increased alpha amino nitrogen content in roots by 2.58 mg 100g-1.

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125-132 L. Talgre, E. Lauringson, H. Roostalu and A. Astover
The effects of green manures on yields and yield quality of spring wheat
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The effects of green manures on yields and yield quality of spring wheat

L. Talgre¹, E. Lauringson¹, H. Roostalu² and A. Astover²

¹Department of Field Crops and Grasslands, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
²Department of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
E-mail: liina.talgre@emu.ee

Abstract:

A field experiment was conducted in the period of 2004–2006 to investigate the effect of green manure treatments on the yield and yield quality of spring wheat. In the experiment, different green manure crops were compared for amounts of N, C and organic matter applied into soil and their effect on the yield and yield quality of succeeding cereals. The amount of organic matter applied into soil was dependent on the cultivated crop. The highest amount of organic matter was applied with hybrid lucerne, the lowest, with unfertilised oats. With sowings of red clover, lucerne and hybrid lucerne, 4.91–7.70 Mg C ha-1 and 341.9–379.1 kg N ha-1 were added to soil with green material and roots. The yield of spring wheat on unfertilised soil was 2.12 Mg ha-1, but the treatment with hybrid lucerne as a preceding crop gave an extra yield of 1.45 Mg ha-1. Green manure crops did not have a unilateral effect on the quality of spring wheat. Grain yield grew with the increased norm of mineral nitrogen, but there was no significant improvement in quality indicators.

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229-239 A. Kryževičienė, A. Jasinskas and A. Gulbinas
Perennial grasses as a source of bioenergy in Lithuania
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Perennial grasses as a source of bioenergy in Lithuania

A. Kryževičienė¹, A. Jasinskas² and A. Gulbinas²

¹ Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture, Instituto al.1, LT-58344 Akademija,Kėdainiai reg., Lithuania; e-mail: akryzeviciene@lzi.lt
² Institute of Agricultural Engineering Lithuanian University of Agriculture,Raudondvaris, LT-54132 Kaunas reg., Lithuania; e-mail: aljas@mei.lt

Abstract:

The study was designed to investigate the feasibility of cultivating perennial grasses as energy crops and their effect on soil agroecological potential. Field experiments with different grasses were conducted at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture from 2000–2004. Perennial grasses Phalaroides arundinacea L. and Bromopsis inermis Leysser were grown pure and in mixtures with legumes. Melilotus officinalis, Lupinus polyphyllus and Galega orientalis on a light gleyic loam soil (Cambisol) with a humus content of ca. to 2%. Pure swards of grasses were either fertilized with nitrogen or not. Mixtures did not receive any N. The swards were cut once per season when their biomass was used for combustion, and twice per season when their biomass was used for biogas. Dry matter yield of grasses in pure stands ranged from 6.4 to 9.3 t ha-1. Under normal weather conditions grass-legume mixtures without nitrogen (N) fertilization were higher yielding than N-fertilized (60+60 kg N ha-1) grass in pure swards, but the mixtures were lower yielding in the years with inadequate rainfall. In all cases mixtures had an important ecological advantage over N-fertilized grass swards. The swards had a positive soil conservation effect and maintained soil fertility potential.The energy potential of perennial grasses in both cases of biomass utilization variedaccording to DM yield variation and totaled up to 153 GJ ha-1; energy input for biofuel production amounted to 8.0 – 19.2 GJ ha-1. Our experimental evidence suggests that the tested swards sown on less fertile soil, amounting to over 0.5 million ha in Lithuania, would be able to produce to 4 million tons of biomass for energy production annually.

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