Superheated Steam Dryer
research
It’s easy being green
er, many of their understory leaves fall off from lack of sunlight. Hatfield and Sullivan would like to minimize loss of this valuable plant material. Hatfield, Sullivan and Ralph are collaborating with the Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Okla., to build the ideal alfalfa plant. “The Noble Foundation usually engineers the plants with reduced lignin,” Hatfield says. “Then we use NMR and other analytical techniques to see what the modified cell walls look like and how easily they can be processed either by the cow or for biomass conversion to energy.” The alfalfa research team has already discovered that when they transform plants by down-regulating enzymes called “methyl transferases,” they can reduce lignin content, boost cellulose content and enhance cell wall digestibility.
Introducing a new Biomass drying technology that’s as environmentally conscious as you are.
Part of the Big Picture In the end, DFRC researchers believe that agriculture’s role in supplying renewable energy to the country is crucial. However, Hatfield cautions that the bioenergy movement mustn’t miss the forest for the trees. “We need to consider the whole agricultural picture,” he says. “You can’t convert everything into bioenergy.” There are other biobased products and niche industries to consider. Take alfalfa, for instance. DFRC researchers have found that, in addition to providing great grist for the ethanol mill, alfalfa is a source of quality protein and health-promoting nutraceuticals. Plus, its fiber fractions have value as a water-filtering agent, and it’s an ideal substrate for making an all-natural glue. “We also have to think in terms of sustainability for the sake of local agricultural economies and our natural resources,” Hatfield says. BIO Erin K. Peabody is a member of the USDAARS’ information staff. Reach her at erin.peabody@ars.usda.gov or (301) 5041624. This article was published in the April 2007 issue of Agricultural Research.
High energy recovery through optimal heat exchange Safe for the environment Controls product moisture and quality Ideal for bark, wood chips, sawdust, cellulose derivatives and paper pulp
The Superheated Steam Dryer incorporates a unique technology that uses super-heated steam as a medium to dry a wide range of products in a closed-loop system. This dryer can handle moist material — from wood chips to paper pulp. The environmental benefits are impressive: no particulate emissions are released into the atmosphere and energy recovery is between 80 and 90 percent. Moreover, a steam atmosphere eliminates the risk of fires or explosions, as no oxygen is present. Operating costs of the Superheated Steam Dryer are a fraction of a standard dryer in terms of energy consumption. Depending upon product and particle size, the normal residence time of the product in the system is between 5 and 60 seconds — a rapid and efficient process. Its small footprint, design flexibility and ease of operation make it a good choice for any size of business. An investment in our drying technology has numerous advantages for the Biomass industry. Contact a Barr-Rosin representative for more information.
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