Method for making biomass pellets
First Claim
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1. A method for selecting feedstock for making biomass pellets consistently having a predetermined net energy value and moisture content, comprising the steps of:
- obtaining biomass feedstock from a plurality of sources;
after said obtaining step, testing the net energy values and moisture content of the biomass feedstock;
dividing the biomass feedstock into biomass feedstock fractions based on the tested net energy value, and tested moisture content, wherein at least one tested feedstock fraction comprises at least two different feedstock components;
retesting the net energy value and moisture content of one or more of the feedstock fractions, including at least one of said feedstock fractions comprising at least two different feedstock components;
selecting biomass feedstock from at least one of said retested feedstock fractions based on the retested moisture content and retested net energy value in an amount to produce pellets having a predetermined net energy value and moisture content; and
forming said feedstock into pellets, wherein said pellets consistently have a predetermined net energy value and moisture content resulting from the amounts of feedstocks selected from each feedstock fraction.
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a process for forming biomass pellets using biomass feedstock having predetermined characteristics to form biomass pellets having desired characteristics. The process can utilize feedstock derived from a variety of biomass feedstock sources, including wood, agricultural crops, energy crops and weeds, alone or in combination.
9 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method for selecting feedstock for making biomass pellets consistently having a predetermined net energy value and moisture content, comprising the steps of:
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obtaining biomass feedstock from a plurality of sources; after said obtaining step, testing the net energy values and moisture content of the biomass feedstock; dividing the biomass feedstock into biomass feedstock fractions based on the tested net energy value, and tested moisture content, wherein at least one tested feedstock fraction comprises at least two different feedstock components; retesting the net energy value and moisture content of one or more of the feedstock fractions, including at least one of said feedstock fractions comprising at least two different feedstock components; selecting biomass feedstock from at least one of said retested feedstock fractions based on the retested moisture content and retested net energy value in an amount to produce pellets having a predetermined net energy value and moisture content; and forming said feedstock into pellets, wherein said pellets consistently have a predetermined net energy value and moisture content resulting from the amounts of feedstocks selected from each feedstock fraction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification