Controlled Batch Leaching Conditions for Optimal Upgrading of Agricultural Biomass

Abstract

Agricultural biomass presents a promising feedstock, which may contribute to a transition to low carbon fuels. A significant amount of research has identified a number of challenges when combusting agricultural feedstock, related primarily to energy value, ash, emissions, corrosion and combustion characteristics. The mitigation of such challenges can be addressed more cost effectively when dealing with large or utility scale combustion. The costs associated with harvesting, conversion, transportation and ultimately, market development all create additional roadblocks for the creation of an agricultural biomass industry. Nova Scotia, an Eastern Canadian province, has significant land resources, however it is prone to wet spring and as yet does not have a supply chain established for such an industry. The main components of supply, processing and conversion and demand simply do not yet exist. This research addresses one aspect of this supply chain by attempting to develop a fuel suitable for a) existing markets (local residential wood and wood pellet stoves and b) a scale that will support industry engagement. The outcomes of this research have determined that such a venture is possible and presents empirical preprocessing conditions to achieve a competitive agricultural fuel.