What is it about?
Attrition behaviour and dust generation of two types of wood pellets have been studied, which the pellets were stored in a constant relative humidity environment for a period of time (4 days). Physical properties such as moisture contents, bulk density and flexural stress of the pellets were measured for the pellets conditioned in a RH chamber, which was believed that equilibrium condition was achieved. Correspondingly, the conditioned pellets for a number of different humidity levels were tested for both impact test and dustiness test. The study shows that the pellets can lose structural strength due to in taking moisture from environment for a high relative humidity. Also a high humidity can result in an increased level of pellet degradation and dusts generated.
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Why is it important?
Wood pellets can absorb significant water if the environmental humidity is high. Bulk density and pellet flexural stress of wood pellets may reduce with a high relative humidity. Wood pellets may break down easily once the pellets are exposed to a high humidity. The two different types of pellets had slightly different sensitivities to humidity. The level of fines generated was doubled for the weaker pellets, from 3%-4% to 5.0%-8.0%.
Perspectives
Biomass pellets become an important fuel source, but dusts are a big concern in use of the wood pellets. This article would like to draw people's attention in wood pellet storage, transportation and influences from environment.
Dr Tong Deng
University of Greenwich
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Influences of environmental humidity on physical properties and attrition of wood pellets, Fuel Processing Technology, March 2019, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2018.12.010.
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