Title:
Fiber Sorghum Natural Drying Tests Using the CRA-ING/Cressoni Mower Conditioner Prototype
Author(s):
Pari, L., Assirelli, A., Suardi, A.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Fiber sorghum is an important annual energy crop with large potential utilization related not only to combustion but also to anaerobic digestion (biogas), as well as second generation bioethanol production. In Italy, the harvesting of dried fiber sorghum for direct combustion has frequently been a serious problem. Thus, the use of this crop is mainly related to biogas production where the fresh plant is harvested using standards equipment already available on the market. In order to overcome the problems related to dried fiber sorghum harvesting, CRA-ING has analyzed all the structural aspects of the crop, such as size, strength, reduced water release in post-mowing and then evaluated all the solutions available on the market by focusing on the limitations of the machines. Since 2007, CRA-ING designed and developed a prototype of mower conditioner, modified in the winter of 2008 in order to improve its performance. The experimental tests were conducted in the north as well as in the centre Italy. In 2009, other experimental tests with the equipment were carried out in others areas of the country, in order to define the potential of the crop on a large scale utilization. In addition, investigations on the qualitative aspects of the drying by evaluating the degradation of cellulose from the early stages of harvest, were possible. Major corporations, involved in the experimental activity, have welcomed the proposed solution and are currently interested in developing cultivation on large-scale, also for second-generation bioliquid production.
Keywords:
biogas, fibre sorghum, dried biomass, energy conversion, second generation ethanol
Topic:
Biomass resources
Subtopic:
Research on energy crops (session 3)
Event:
18th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
VP1.3.20
Pages:
459 - 462
ISBN-13:
978-88-89407-56-1
ISBN-10:
88-89407-56-5
Paper DOI:
10.5071/18thEUBCE2010-VP1.3.20
Price:
FREE
