Article
Thermodynamics
A. Zachl, A. Soria-Verdugo, M. Buchmayr, J. Gruber, A. Anca-Couce, R. Scharler, C. Hochenauer
Summary: This study investigates the use of wood chips with bark content in downdraft gasification. The results show that bark generates more char than wood during pyrolysis and does not affect the gasification zones in the reactor. The addition of bark up to a certain level can even improve the gas quality and performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wen Jiang, Stergios Adamopoulos, Reza Hosseinpourpia, Thomas Walther, Sergej Medved
Summary: Partial liquefaction of residual biomass has good potential for developing new materials suitable for making bio-based composites. Three-layer particleboards were produced by replacing virgin wood particles with partially liquefied bark (PLB) in the core or surface layers. The mechanical and water-related properties, as well as the emission profiles, of the particleboards with PLB were evaluated.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ziqiang Liu, Chunpeng Han, Qiushi Li, Xiaolong Li, Haiqing Zhou, Xiao Song, Fajin Zu
Summary: Wood-cement composites have advantages of high flexural strength, toughness, and impact resistance. However, the interface bonding between wood chips and cement matrix is poor due to the inhibition of cement hydration caused by components in the wood chips like hemicellulose and lignin. In this study, alkali cooking and silane coupling agent treatment were used to modify wood chips, effectively improving the inter-facial properties between wood chips and cement matrix and enhancing the mechanical properties of the composites.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alvaro Simeone, Oscar Bentancur, Esteban Manasliski, Francisco Rodriguez, Manuel Felix, Martin Marizcurrena, Virginia Beretta
Summary: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of wood chips and rice hulls as fiber sources in high-concentrate diets for early-weaned calves, as well as the impact of different feeding methods. The results showed the potential of both fiber sources in the diets of early-weaned calves, and their suitability for delivery in self-feeders.
ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuliya Kulikova, Stanislav Sukhikh, Olga Babich, Margina Yuliya, Marina Krasnovskikh, Svetlana Noskova
Summary: This article provides an overview of recycling methods for bark and wood waste (BWW) in the pulp and paper industry and evaluates the resource potential of old bark waste through physicochemical and thermal analysis. The study finds that bark waste is phytotoxic, making it challenging to use as a plant-growing substrate. The calorific value, ash content, and moisture content of BWW vary widely, suggesting the feasibility of hydrothermal methods for converting BWW into biofuel, while traditional thermal methods such as combustion, pyrolysis, and gasification are deemed unreasonable.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Azadwinder Chahal, Daniel Ciolkosz, Virendra Puri, Michael Jacobson, Jude Liu
Summary: The mechanical behavior of the wood-bark interface of shrub willow was tested to investigate the influence of key factors such as harvest season, moisture content, and cultivars. Low moisture content samples showed significantly higher shear modulus and modulus of toughness, but lower degree of ductility. Different willow cultivars did not have a significant influence on the mechanical properties. Results also indicated that samples collected in the dormant season had higher ultimate strain, modulus of toughness, and degree of ductility compared to samples collected in the growing season.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alok Dhaundiyal, Divine Atsu
Summary: A pilot size reactor was tested to examine its design suitability for effective gas generation. The thermal efficiency and chemical exergy of the reactor were calculated for different temperature ranges, showing higher efficiency for higher temperatures and dried biomass. The study aims to provide a clean energy generation method by improving the exergetic content of the reactor.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Ferreol Berendt, Erik Pegel, Lubomir Blasko, Tobias Cremer
Summary: This study analyzed bark thickness, volume, and mass based on 150 Scots pine discs, finding that bark proportions were significantly affected by specific variables related to the logs.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Janitha C. Bandara, Rajan Jaiswal, Henrik K. Nielsen, Britt M. E. Moldestad, Marianne S. Eikeland
Summary: Gasification is an attractive method for biomass-to-energy conversion and fluidized bed design is considered one of the best options for large-scale operation. The study found that as the temperature increases, carbon conversion rate improves, but nitrogen dilution at high temperatures may counteract the carbon conversion to a certain extent.
Article
Forestry
Adam Vele, Jan Frouz
Summary: Central European coniferous forests are experiencing a severe bark beetle outbreak, leading to the creation of large clearings and changes in environmental parameters. Our study focused on the impact of these changes on wood ant nests. We found that wood ant nests were less likely to survive in bark beetle-affected forests, with the Formica rufa species being more affected. The bark beetle attack was correlated with increases in understory vegetation, which negatively affected wood ant survival.
Article
Forestry
Chunmei Yang, Tongbin Liu, Yaqiang Ma, Wen Qu, Yucheng Ding, Tao Zhang, Wenlong Song
Summary: This article presents a theoretical and experimental analysis of chip size and kinematics of pine wood during cutting, establishing a chip diffusion boundary surface model and determining its key parameters through CCD testing. The results reveal that chip diffusion can be divided into three distinct areas: main diffusion, random diffusion, and vortex. The spindle speed and feed rate have the most influence on the orthogonal diffusion angle of the main diffusion zone, while cutting depth has the greatest impact on the top view diffusion angle. The boundary surface model accurately characterizes chip motion and demonstrates a reasonable degree of reliability, offering the potential to predict chip morphology and diffusion state. This model has important implications for wood milling practices, particularly in controlling chip dispersion.
Article
Plant Sciences
Chenhui Chang, Matty P. Berg, Richardus S. P. van Logtestijn, Juan Zuo, Li Lin, Cynthia Bom, Jesper Wolters, Maarten Biesbroeck, Pepijn de Ruijter, Mariet M. Hefting, Ute Sass-Klaassen, Johannes H. C. Cornelissen
Summary: Previous studies have shown that bark cover at early-decay stage has a significant influence on invertebrate assemblages in bark and wood, and may affect the decomposition process. However, it has been difficult to determine the independent effects of bark and wood traits on invertebrate communities due to variation between tree species. This study used reciprocal bark transplantation to investigate how bark and wood traits influence invertebrate communities in mid-decay logs of different tree species.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Jingqian Chen, Rodger P. Beatson, Kenny Tam, Paul Bicho, Heather L. Trajano
Summary: This study compared the effects of mild pre-hydrolysis kraft pulping and conventional kraft pulping on commercial softwood chips. The results showed that pre-hydrolysis increased the yield of hemicelluloses oligomers when the chip thickness was less than 2 mm, while it resulted in a significant decrease in fiber quality when the chip thickness was greater than 6 mm. Pre-hydrolysis followed by kraft pulping enhanced delignification without significant reduction in fiber length and width.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Erik Anerud, Dan Bergstrom, Johanna Routa, Lars Eliasson
Summary: Screening and covering forest wood chips before storage can significantly reduce dry matter losses during storage, increasing storability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huijuan Guo, Peihan Wang, Qiuyi Li, Guoying Liu, Qichang Fan, Gongbing Yue, Shuo Song, Shidong Zheng, Liang Wang, Yuanxin Guo
Summary: The CO2 emissions from the cement industry and waste wood chips are increasing due to the rapid growth of the construction industry. In this study, pine waste wood chips were mixed into cement-based materials to develop an environmentally-friendly, low thermal conductivity, and mechanically sound light cementitious composite material. Different cementitious binders, including sulfur aluminate cement, ordinary Portland cement, and granulated blast furnace slag, were used. The results showed that the strength, dry density, and thermal conductivity of the material decreased with the increase in the wood chip to binder ratio, while the shrinkage, water absorption, and pore size increased. Among the binders, the material prepared with slag exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity. From a low-cost and low-carbon emissions perspective, using granulated blast furnace slag as the binder was determined to be the best approach for preparing a light cementitious composite with waste wood chips.
Article
Forestry
Raffaele Spinelli, Barnabas Kovac, Patrik Heger, David Helig, Balint Heil, Gabor Kovacs, Natascia Magagnotti
Summary: This study explored the optimization potential of short rotation poplar plantations by manipulating log specifications and grading instructions to decrease time consumption or increase log yield. The experiment indicated that abandoning the manufacturing of a second small log was not cost-effective, but decreasing small end diameter efficiently increased log yield without negative effects on harvesting productivity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOREST ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Raffaele Spinelli, Barnabas Kovac, Patrik Heger, David Heilig, Balint Heil, Gabor Kovacs, Natascia Magagnotti
Summary: This study found that shortening log length specifications can significantly increase log yield in low-yielding plantations, but it also comes with an increase in harvesting cost. Measures are suggested to mitigate the cost increment.
Article
Forestry
Robert F. Keefe, Eloise G. Zimbelman, Gianni Picchi
Summary: This paper reviews the current status of individual tree detection methods and technologies, explores knowledge gaps in operational forestry and forest operations research, and proposes several areas for improved efficiencies in forest operations, such as using wearable technology to map seedlings during planting, optimizing harvesting and landing based on prior information, and networking product tracking across multiple machines.
CURRENT FORESTRY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
A. Assirelli, M. Brambilla, E. C. Leonello, N. Magagnotti, R. Spinelli
Summary: To minimize the burden on orchard termination and renewal, complete tree removal and processing is the most effective technique. However, specific biomass processing techniques are needed when dealing with rootstocks. This research aims to determine the efficiency of processing complete trees from orchard termination. The study found that combining a slow-speed shredder with a rotary sieve can effectively upgrade complete tree material into a viable fuel.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Giuseppe Toscano, Elena Leoni, Thomas Gasperini, Gianni Picchi
Summary: The environmental policy of the European Union is driving the development of renewable energies, with bioenergy being the main share. To improve the efficiency of the entire supply chain, there is a need for enhanced fuel quality control and better matching with energy conversion systems. A hand-held near infrared spectrometer was tested to provide a real-time and portable tool for moisture measurement, showing satisfactory reliability and the potential for efficient fuel quality control at different steps of the supply chain.
Article
Forestry
Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Barnabas Kovac, Patrik Heger, David Heilig, Balint Heil, Gabor Kovacs, Matevz Mihelic
Summary: Early pre-sorting of log-trees and biomass-trees during tree crop harvesting can significantly increase the overall value of the harvest and reduce harvesting costs. This method decreases productivity for the initial feller-buncher machine, but results in a higher productivity for the processor machine. Additionally, pre-sorting makes whole-tree harvesting a cheaper option compared to cut-to-length system.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOREST ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Giovanna Ottaviani Aalmo, Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Rien Visser
Summary: Automation in forestry can reduce mental workload and improve productivity, but it is necessary to consider its impacts on other tasks.
Article
Forestry
Gerhard Pichler, Jakub Sandak, Gianni Picchi, Maximilian Kastner, Diego Graifenberg, Karl Stampfer, Martin Kuehmaier
Summary: The digital transformation of the timber supply chain is crucial, with the integration of RFID technology and intelligent machines in the smart timber tracking and processing system showing promise in enhancing efficiency and safety throughout the supply chain. Despite some technical issues with the intelligent prototype processor, the study demonstrates that the system is effective in transferring information and maintaining costs at a normal level.
Article
Forestry
Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Giulio Cosola, Benjamin Engler, Stefan Leitner, Renato Vidoni
Summary: A survey conducted in northern Italy on 12 cable yarding operations revealed that the excavator-based processor was the main consumer of fuel, while the yarder accounted for less fuel consumption. The study also found that set up and dismantle, as well as commuting, occupied a significant share of total time, while relocation had a minimal impact on time and fuel use.
Article
Forestry
Stefan Leitner, Massimiliano Renzi, Raffaele Spinelli, Renato Vidoni
Summary: This research focuses on the design of hybrid tower yarder drivetrains in the forestry sector to facilitate the transition to more sustainable equipment. Through simulation and data analysis, the best design and control algorithms are determined. The results confirm the feasibility of hybridization and the potential for energy recovery.
Article
Forestry
Rien M. M. Visser, Raffaele Spinelli
Summary: Skidders are cost-effective extraction machines. A study in Southland, New Zealand, compared the performance of a two-axle skidder with and without winch assistance on different slope trails. The study found that winch assistance improved productivity by 8% on a 30% slope trail, but had no positive effect on a 40% slope trail. Preliminary soil disturbance assessment showed low soil disturbance at the harvest site.
Article
Forestry
Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Giulio Cosola
Summary: Interviews with 51 entrepreneurs revealed that cable-yarding specialist companies in Italy are typically small-scale businesses, employing 3 to 5 operators and producing about 5000 m(3) over bark annually. Their main equipment is tower yarders, supported by adapted farm tractors and excavators. Alpine entrepreneurs differ from non-alpine ones in terms of productivity and versatility due to differences in work environment. Non-alpine loggers face limitations such as fragmented private ownership, smaller hardwood trees, and less valuable timber products. However, further expansion of cable-logging south of the Alps could be achieved through the development of new equipment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOREST ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Barnabas Kovacs, Patrik Heger, Matevz Mihelic
Summary: The study compared the effectiveness of two different logging methods, cut-to-length (CTL) and whole-tree-harvesting (WTH), with two log length specifications (2 m vs. 4 m). The research aimed to determine which combination of method and log length resulted in lower costs and/or better log yield. The study found that CTL harvesting into 4-m long logs was the most effective solution, offering a better log yield compared to WTH and incurring similar harvesting costs. Shortening log length to 2 m increased harvesting costs by 25%.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF FOREST RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Natascia Magagnotti, Matevz Mihelic, Anna Perazzolo, Raffaele Spinelli
Summary: The study investigates the forest interventions conducted on small-scale forests by Forest Service crews in Verona, Italy, with a focus on restoring degraded forests. Data from 340 worksites over 17 years were used to analyze operational performance and trends. Most interventions involved thinning and conversion of softwood plantations and beech/mixwood coppice stands, with softwood thinning becoming more prevalent over time. Productivity varied between 1 and 8 m3 per worker day, with fuel consumption of 0.4 l m-3 or 38 l ha-1.
SMALL-SCALE FORESTRY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Benno Eberhard, Natascia Magagnotti, Rodolfo Picchio, Raffaele Spinelli
Summary: Coppice management is becoming more popular due to its ability to meet multiple demands in modern forestry. Mechanization is needed to improve profitability, and this study found that there were no significant differences in the resprouting ability of stumps between using an excavator mounted disc saw and an excavator mounted hydraulic shear.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yingna Du, Chen Huang, Wei Jiang, Qiangwei Yan, Yongfei Li, Gang Chen
Summary: In this study, anionic surfactants modified hydrotalcite was used as a flow improver for crude oil under low-temperature conditions. The modified hydrotalcite showed a significant viscosity reduction effect on crude oil. The mechanism of the modified hydrotalcite on viscosity and pour point of crude oil was explored through characterization and analysis of the modified hydrotalcite and oil samples.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammad Saeid Rostami, Mohammad Mehdi Khodaei
Summary: In this study, a hybrid structure, MIL-53(Al)@MWCNT, was synthesized by combining MIL-53(Al) particles and -COOH functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). The hybrid structure was then embedded in a polyethersulfone (PES) polymer matrix to prepare a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separation. The addition of MWCNTs prevented MIL-53(Al) aggregation, improved membrane mechanical properties, and enhanced gas separation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yunlong Li, Desheng Huang, Xiaomeng Dong, Daoyong Yang
Summary: This study develops theoretical and experimental techniques to determine the phase behavior and physical properties of DME/flue gas/water/heavy oil systems. Eight constant composition expansion (CCE) tests are conducted to obtain new experimental data. A thermodynamic model is used to accurately predict saturation pressure and swelling factors, as well as the phase boundaries of N2/heavy oil systems and DME/CO2/heavy oil systems, with high accuracy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Morteza Afkhamipour, Ebad Seifi, Arash Esmaeili, Mohammad Shamsi, Tohid N. Borhani
Summary: Non-conventional amines are being researched worldwide to overcome the limitations of traditional amines like MEA and MDEA. Adequate process and thermodynamic models are crucial for understanding the applicability and performance of these amines in CO2 absorption, but studies on process modeling for these amines are limited. This study used rate-based modeling and Deshmukh-Mather method to model CO2 absorption by DETA solution in a packed column, validated the model with experimental data, and conducted a sensitivity analysis of mass transfer correlations. The study also compared the CO2 absorption efficiency of DETA solution with an ionic solvent [bmim]-[PF6] and highlighted the importance of finding optimum operational parameters for maximum absorption efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arastoo Abdi, Mohamad Awarke, M. Reza Malayeri, Masoud Riazi
Summary: The utilization of smart water in EOR operations has gained attention, but more research is needed to understand the complex mechanisms involved. This study investigated the interfacial tension between smart water and crude oil, considering factors such as salt, pH, asphaltene type, and aged smart water. The results revealed that the hydration of ions in smart water plays a key role in its efficacy, with acidic and basic asphaltene acting as intrinsic surfactants. The pH also influenced the interfacial tension, and the aged smart water's interaction with crude oil depended on asphaltene type, salt, and salinity.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dongao Zhu, Kun Zhu, Lixian Xu, Haiyan Huang, Jing He, Wenshuai Zhu, Huaming Li, Wei Jiang
Summary: In this study, cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (Co-based MOFs) were used as supports and co-catalysts to confine the NHPI catalyst, solving the leaching issue. The NHPI@Co-MOF with carboxyl groups exhibited stronger acidity and facilitated the generation of active oxygen radicals O2•, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity. This research provides valuable insights into the selection of suitable organic linkers and broadens the research horizon of MOF hybrids in efficient oxidative desulfurization (ODS) applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Edwin G. Hoyos, Gloria Amo-Duodu, U. Gulsum Kiral, Laura Vargas-Estrada, Raquel Lebrero, Rail Munoz
Summary: This study investigated the impact of carbon-coated zero-valent nanoparticle concentration on photosynthetic biogas upgrading. The addition of nanoparticles significantly increased microalgae productivity and enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus assimilation. The presence of nanoparticles also improved the quality of biomethane produced.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yao Xiao, Asma Leghari, Linfeng Liu, Fangchao Yu, Ming Gao, Lu Ding, Yu Yang, Xueli Chen, Xiaoyu Yan, Fuchen Wang
Summary: Iron is added as a flocculant in wastewater treatment and the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sludge produces wastewater containing Fe. This study investigates the effect of aqueous phase (AP) recycling on hydrochar properties, iron evolution and environmental assessment during HTC of sludge. The results show that AP recycling process improves the dewatering performance of hydrochar and facilitates the recovery of Fe from the liquid phase.
Article
Energy & Fuels
He Liang, Tao Wang, Zhenmin Luo, Jianliang Yu, Weizhai Yi, Fangming Cheng, Jingyu Zhao, Xingqing Yan, Jun Deng, Jihao Shi
Summary: This study investigated the influence of inhibitors (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and heptafluoropropane) on the lower flammability limit of hydrogen and determined the critical inhibitory concentration needed for complete suppression. The impact of inhibitors on explosive characteristics was evaluated, and the inhibitory mechanism was analyzed with chemical kinetics. The results showed that with the increase of inhibitor quantity, the lower flammability limit of hydrogen also increased. The research findings can contribute to the safe utilization of hydrogen energy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zonghui Liu, Zhongze Zhang, Yali Zhou, Ziling Wang, Mingyang Du, Zhe Wen, Bing Yan, Qingxiang Ma, Na Liu, Bing Xue
Summary: In this study, high-performance solid catalysts based on phosphotungstic acid (HPW) supported on Zr-SBA-15 were synthesized and evaluated for the one-pot conversion of furfural (FUR) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). The catalysts were characterized using various techniques, and the ratio of HPW and Zr was found to significantly affect the selectivity of GVL. The HPW/Zr-SBA-15 (2-4-15) catalyst exhibited the highest GVL yield (83%) under optimized reaction conditions, and it was determined that a balance between Bronsted acid sites (BAS) and Lewis acid sites (LAS) was crucial for achieving higher catalytic performance. The reaction parameters and catalyst stability were also investigated.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Michael Stoehr, Stephan Ruoff, Bastian Rauch, Wolfgang Meier, Patrick Le Clercq
Summary: As part of the global energy transition, an experimental study was conducted to understand the effects of different fuel properties on droplet vaporization for various conventional and alternative fuels. The study utilized a flow channel to measure the evolution of droplet diameters over time and distance. The results revealed the temperature-dependent effects of physical properties, such as boiling point, liquid density, and enthalpy of vaporization, and showed the complex interactions of preferential vaporization and temperature-dependent influences of physical properties for multi-component fuels.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuan Zhuang, Ruikang Wu, Xinyan Wang, Rui Zhai, Changyong Gao
Summary: Through experimental validation and optimization of the chemical kinetic model, it was found that methanol can accelerate the oxidation reaction of ammonia, and methanol can be rapidly oxidized at high concentration. HO2 was found to generate a significant amount of OH radicals, facilitating the oxidation of methanol and ammonia. Rating: 7.5/10.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Radwan M. EL-Zohairy, Ahmed S. Attia, A. S. Huzayyin, Ahmed I. EL-Seesy
Summary: This paper presents a lab-scale experimental study on the impact of diethyl ether (DEE) as an additive to waste cooking oil biodiesel with Jet A-1 on combustion and emission features of a swirl-stabilized premixed flame. The addition of DEE to biodiesel significantly affects the flame temperature distribution and emissions. The W20D20 blend of DEE, biodiesel, and Jet A-1 shows similar flame temperature distribution to Jet A-1 and significantly reduces UHC, CO, and NOx emissions compared to Jet A-1.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jiang Bian, Ziyuan Zhao, Yang Liu, Ran Cheng, Xuerui Zang, Xuewen Cao
Summary: This study presents a novel method for ammonia separation using supersonic flow and develops a mathematical model to investigate the condensation phenomenon. The results demonstrate that the L-P nucleation model accurately characterizes the nucleation process of ammonia at low temperatures. Numerical simulations also show that increasing pressure and concentration can enhance ammonia condensation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shiyuan Pan, Xiaodan Shi, Beibei Dong, Jan Skvaril, Haoran Zhang, Yongtu Liang, Hailong Li
Summary: Integrating CO2 capture with biomass-fired combined heat and power (bio-CHP) plants is a promising method for achieving negative emissions. This study develops a reliable data-driven model based on the Transformer architecture to predict the flowrate and CO2 concentration of flue gas in real time. The model validation shows high prediction accuracy, and the potential impact of meteorological parameters on model accuracy is assessed. The results demonstrate that the Transformer model outperforms other models and using near-infrared spectral data as input features improves the prediction accuracy.