Title:
The Increase of the Particle Size of Chopped Arundo by Means of a Chipper Prototype
Author(s):
Assirelli, A., Santangelo, E., Acampora, A., Del Giudice, A., Civitarese, V., Pari, L.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The optimization of the harvesting is a key point in the energy chain since it affects the size pattern of the feedstock. For giant reed (Arundo donax L.), the harvesters for forage crops normally, used provide a product too much fine for meeting the requirements of biorefineries. The Consiglio per la ricerca e sperimentazione in agricoltura (CRA-ING), in collaboration with Spapperi Ltd, has designed and developed a prototype for cutting and sectioning the Arundo plants aimed at producing a higher proportion of chips longer than the ones obtainable from a common harvester for forage crop. A study has been conducted in order to assess the performance of the machinery and to evaluate the characteristics of the product obtained. In order to obtain a feedstock with different length, the counter-blades (positioned on the frame of rotor), were installed or removed, this latter setup aimed at reducing the additional fragmentation of the stems. The first results have been shown that the lengthening of the particle size may be possible. In a perspective view, the further improvement of the prototype efficiency will positively affect the feedstock quality, the availability of mechanical solutions, the extension of the harvesting windows and, finally, the diversification of the final utilization.
Keywords:
giant reed, particle size distribution, shredding, counter blades
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
22nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1CV.4.20
Pages:
295 - 297
ISBN:
978-88-89407-52-3
Paper DOI:
10.5071/22ndEUBCE2014-1CV.4.20
Price:
FREE
