Demonstration and Evaluation of receipts and pellets production
Action 1: Demonstration and Evaluation of agro fuel receipts and mixtures (lab-scale)

To create a new agro fuel it is necessary to demonstrate the optimal mixture of raw material and additives. For the BIOAGRO project the raw material is limited to the rejects and by-products from the production of seed added with what might appear in the agricultural neighbourhood. Previous tests have shown that an addition of 10-15% of rape cake is effective as a lubricant in the pellet machine and as a glue in making the pellet. The oil content is also enhancing the ignition performance when fired. Within the project different receipts will be tested and evaluated. This will be done primarily in the laboratory at Äfab.
Methods:
Skånefrö will be responsible for this action. The action will be implemented with the assistance of Äfab. The different raw materials; crop waste, seed waste, different kinds of crop, rape and additives will be introduced in a performed way to a mixture. By evaluating the contents in the different raw materials, it is possible to predict the performance of these raw materials in the combustion. For instance raw material that contains salts will lower the melting temperature from the ash, and raw materials with a high content of lime will counteract to that. High content of cellulose and lignin are to prefer to proteins. The laboratory tests will be made at Äfab laboratory with traditional pellet techniques. That means testing according to a test method which consists of two testing cycles, 24 hours each, where each test cycle is divided into three different phases. One full load firing, one part load firing reflecting the heating demand a normal winter day and one low load firing. During the tests the input energy (fuel) and the output energy (hot water) is recorded which will give the actual boiler efficiency. Additionally a continuous registration of CO, O2, NO, THC (OGC) and SO2 will be performed for determination of the environmental value. The tests are performed mainly according to EN 303-5. For registration of THC a flame ionisation instrument J U M is used and for other gas analyses IR-technique is used in an instrument from Hartman&Braun (ABB).
Targets:
To visualize the process and to make it possible for a rapid optimization of the production regarding the combustion performance of the fuel via a rapid change between receipts and additives. The innovation consist of using suitable mixtures and additives which together with crop-/seed waste produce a homogenous fuel over time with good economy and environmental impact. It will be easy to follow the different ingredients and how they are introduced into the mixture at different receipts.
Expected results:
The different mixing receipts will be presented according to firing performance with the aim to make the fuel suitable for as many different kinds of firing equipment as possible and a fuel that causes as few service visits as possible.
Assumptions and Constraints:

We have access to the best research results and the experiences that exist at the agriculture organisations. We will also have access to research performed at Chalmers, SLU and the Swedish National Testing and Research Institute. We hereby expect to avoid unnecessary mistakes in the process of testing new receipts with new mixtures. There is further a minor risk that raw materials or mixtures of raw material will show unexpected characteristics, however we are confident that the access to the above mentioned competence and research results will be useful to resolve unexpected issues.     

Action 2: Demonstration och Evaluation of agro pellet production (full scale)

After different receipts have been fully demonstrated and evaluated and the receipt quality has reached an acceptable level, BIOAGRO pellets will be produced in full scale in a modified pellet machine from Sprout-Matador. The production of BIOAGRO will follow traditional methods for making pellets from dry raw materials.
Methods:
Skånefrö will be responsible for this action. The action will be implemented with the assistance of Äfab. The quality control of the pellets produced in the pellet machine is performed by testing the sustainability (hardness), the content of fines and by determining the density according to Swedish Standard.
Targets:
The quality of the produced pellets shall be according to Swedish Standard class 3 (SS187120 BIOBRÄNSLE) and have an acceptable performance when fired. This means that the combustion efficiency must be higher than 85%, that the level of emission corresponds to BBR and EN 303-5 and that the firing does not cause unnecessary emergency stop or need of maintenance.
Expected results:
The pellets will be solid, inflammable, free of dust and containing high heat and energy (more than 4,5 kWh/kg) and with a low ash level  (less than 4 %). When these results are achieved, the pellets will be tested in the boilers at Skånefrö (Task 4).
Assumptions and Constraints:
 Certain raw materials from the agricultural industry might present surprises that will require further modifications or redesign of the pellet machine and the receipts/mixtures. We have taken this under consideration when setting the time-schedule for this project and specifically for this task. We are confident that the access to the above mentioned competence and research results will be useful to resolve unexpected issues.
See time schedule »»