Effect of Pelleted Total Mixed Ration on Production Performance and Serum Biochemical Index of Growing Hainan Black Goats

[Objective] The paper was to investigate effects of pelleted total mixed ration on production performance and serum biochemical index of growing Hainan black goats.[Method] Twenty-four growing Hainan black goats with the same genetic backgrounds and similar initial weight of(10.05±0.049) kg were randomly assigned into two treatments, and supplied with Juncao + concentrate(control group), pelleted total mixed ration(experimental group), respectively. The trial lasted 50 d.[Result] The final weight, daily gain and feed intake of experimental group were significantly higher than those of control group(P<0.05), but the feed/gain ratio of experimental group was markedly lower than that of control group(P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the gross profit of experimental group significantly increased( P <0.05).[Conclusion] Pelleted total mixed ration led to better production performance of growing Hainan black goat.

Effect of Pelleted Total Mixed Ration of Different Particle Sizes on Production Performance and Serum Biochemical Index of Fattening Hainan Black Goats

[Objective] The paper to investigate the effects of pelleted total mixed ration of different particle size on production performance and serum biochemical index of fattening Hainan black goats.[Method] Thirty-six fattening Hainan black goats with the same genetic backgrounds and similar initial weight of(19.02±0.22) kg were randomly divided into three treatments. Goats were fed with Juncao+concentrate(control group), pel-leted total mixed ration I(particle size 6 mm, experimental group I) and II(particle size 5 mm, experimental group II), respectively. The trial lasted 45 d.[Result](1) The final weight and daily gain of experimental group II were significantly higher than those of control group( P<0.05), and the daily gain of experimental group II was also higher than that of experimental group I(P<0.05);the feed intake of experimental group II was markedly higher than that of control group(P<0.05), but was significantly lower than that of experimental group I(P<0.05). The feed/gain ratio of experimental group II was significantly lower than those of control group and experimental group I(P<0.05).(2) The feed gain cost of experimental group II was markedly lower than that of control group(P<0.05), but the gross profit was significantly higher than those of control group and experimental group I(P<0.05).(3) Compared with the control group, the serum total protein content of experimental group II increased markedly( P<0.05) while the urea nitrogen level decreased(P>0.05).[Conclusion] The pelleted total mixed ration with the particle size of 5 mm obtained better fattening ef-fect, and obviously improved the serum total protein level.

Effect of Pelleted Total Mixed Ration with Different Concentrate-roughage Ratios on Production Performance and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Fattening Hainan Black Goats

[Objective] This paper was to study effects of pelleted total mixed ration with different concentrate-roughage ratios on production performance and serum biochemical parameters of fattening Hainan black goats.[Method] Thirty-six fattening Hainan black goats with the same genetic background and similar initial weight of(14.08±0.13) kg were randomly assigned into three treatments. Goats were fed with Juncao + concentrate(control group), pelleted total mixed ration I(concentrate: roughage 50 ∶50, group Ⅰ) and Ⅱ(concentrate: roughage 45∶55, group Ⅱ), respectively. The test lasted 45 d.[Result] The final weight, daily gain and feed intake of rams in experimental group Ⅰ were significantly higher than those of control group and experimental group Ⅱ(P<0.05);the final weight and daily gain of rams in experimental group Ⅰ were also markedly higher than those of experimental group Ⅱ(P<0.05);the feed/gain of rams in experimental group Ⅰ was significantly lower than those in control group and experimental group Ⅱ(P<0.05). The feed gain cost of rams in experimental group Ⅰ was markedly lower than that in experimental group Ⅱ( P<0.05), but was significantly higher than that in experimental group Ⅰ(P<0.05);the gross profit of rams in experimental group Ⅰ was significantly higher than those in control group and experimental group Ⅱ(P<0.05). Compared with control group and experimental group Ⅱ, the serum total protein and glucose lev-els in experimental group Ⅱ increased significantly(P<0.05), but the urea nitrogen content reduced(P>0.05).[Conclusion] When the concentrateroughage ratio of pelleted total mixed ration was 50∶50, the fattening effect of Hainan black goat was better, and the serum total protein and glucose levels were evidently improved.

Effect of a Newly Developed Pelleted Papermill Biosolids on Crop and Soil

The US is one of the leading global producers of paper industry with approximately 24 percent of the share of world paper supply. Despite diversity of the feedstock and production methods, C rich papermill biosolids (PB) is a major byproduct of paper production process. Landfilling is the predominant method of PB management. Increasing landfill cost and its potential environmental consequences have incentivized research and development efforts to find beneficial uses for PB. This sensible option reduces the overall paper production costs and increases environmental sustainability. Pelletization of PB increases its marketability by reducing transportation costs. This greenhouse study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the properties and effects of a recently developed pelletized papermill biosolids (PPB) on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and soil. Urea and PPB were each applied at four total N rates equivalent to 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg N ha﹣1 and an additional control treatments of 0 N was included. The total C and N concentration in this PPB were 379 and 14 g·kg﹣1 respectively and its C:N ratio was 27.2. Nitrogen treatment significantly (P ≤ 0.0839) influenced pepper height, dry biomass, N concentration, and N uptake. Plant height ranged from 31.2 to 44.4 cm;135 kg·ha﹣1 urea-N and PPB-N produced the tallest and shortest plants respectively. Dry biomass of the pepper that did not receive any N, those treated with urea-N or PPB-N were 5.3, 5.7 - 7.5, and 5.9 - 6.5 g·plant﹣1 respectively. Nitrogen concentration in control treatment (0 N) was 36.4 g·kg﹣1 and that of pepper treated with any N ranged from 32.0 - 40.7 g·kg﹣1. There was an inverse numerical, albeit not always statistically significant, relationship between PPB rate and plant N concentration. Generally, pepper treated with urea removed significantly more N from soil than control or PPB treated pepper. Nitrogen uptake by plants that did not receive any N and those amended with urea or PPB were 194, 229 - 270, and 155 - 164 mg·plant﹣1 respectively. Pepper N uptake and concentration data indicate that higher rates of PPB resulted in immobilization of native soil and PPB-N due to its wide C:N ratio (27.2). Nitrogen treatment significantly influenced soil pH, SOM, total C and N (P > 0.1). Soil organic matter and total C in post-harvest soil samples were 17.4 - 19.4 and 21.9 - 35.0 g·kg﹣1 respectively. The observed increase in soil total C and SOM highlights the potential beneficial use of PPB as a means to improve soil health and sequester C in soil. Narrowing the C:N ratio of PPB, by coapplication or incorporation of the mineral N into the pellets will make it an attractive organic N fertilizer.

Effect of Ground and Pelleted Sericea Lespedeza Whole Plant and Leaf Only on Gastrointestinal Nematode and Coccidial Infection in Goats

Two 42-day feeding trials in pens were completed with young goats(Spanish,intact male,six months old,n=29 Trial 1;n=20 Trial 2)to determine the anti-parasitic bioactivity of whole plant and leaf only sericea lespedeza(SL;Lespedeza cuneata)fed as a ground meal or in pelleted form.In Trial 1,goats were fed SL leaf only pellets,SL whole plant pellets,or a commercial goat pellet as 50%of a complete ration,while in Trial 2,kids were fed either ground SL leaf meal or ground whole plant SL meal as 25%of a complete ration.Fecal samples were collected weekly for determination of gastrointestinal nematode(GIN)fecal egg counts(FEC)and coccidia fecal oocyst counts(FOC).In Trial 1,both of the pelleted SL rations reduced FEC(p<0.06)relative to the kids fed the control ration,and for FOC,there were lower values on Days 7 to 42 relative to Day 0 for goats on either pelleted SL diet,while FOC for control animals did not change over time(interaction,p<0.01).In Trial 2,both ground whole plant and leaf only SL diets reduced(p<0.05)FEC of the goats over time,but the effect was faster in the kids on the SL leaf meal ration.At 50%of the diet,SL leaf and whole plant meal pellets were equally effective against GIN egg and coccidial oocyst production in young kids,but SL leaf meal was more effective in reducing GIN egg production than whole plant SL meal when fed at 25%of the diet.

Preference, Feeding Behavior, and in Vitro Fermentation Characteristics of Pelleted Feeds Containing Alkaline Aqueous Lignin By-Product from Paper Processing in Holstein Heifers

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of using multiple dietary inclusion rates of alkaline aqueous lignin by-product(AALB),in replacing a commercial binder,on the preference and feeding behavior of dairy heifers,and in vitro digestibility.In the experiment I,five pelleted diets including negative control(no-binder),commercial lignosulfonate binder,and 1.6%,3.2%,and 4.8%of AALB were tested.In the experiment II,five pelleted diets including negative control,positive control(2%molasses),and 1%,2.4%,and 3.8%of AALB(all combined with 2%of molasses)were tested.Feeding behavior and preference were determined for 60 min per animal per evaluation.In vitro digestibility was determined for each pelleted diet for 48 h over five incubation runs.Results from Experiment I showed animals receiving 1.6%of AALB diet showed the greatest preference(dry matter(DM),intake)and a greater number of approaches with eating than other diets.The preference was lower when animals received control or 4.8%AALB diets relative to other diets.Results from Experiment II revealed animals receiving 3.8%AALB combined with molasses showed the greatest DM intake preference over 60 min,and DM intake per approach.Diets that included 2.4%and 3.8%of AALB combined with molasses presented the greatest in vitro DM digestibility.Overall,heifers showed a greater intake when receiving pelleted diets with 1.6%AALB.Furthermore,preference,intake over 60 min,and in vitro DM digestibility,were greater in the pelleted diets that contained higher rates of AALB when combined with molasses.

High-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite all-pellet integrated burden optimization and softening-melting behavior based on flux pellets

High-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite(HVTM)is a crucial polymetallic-associated resource to be developed.The allpellet operation is a blast furnace trend that aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the future.By referencing the production data of vanadium-titanium magnetite blast furnaces,this study explored the softening-melting behavior of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite and obtained the optimal integrated burden based on flux pellets.The results show that the burden with a composition of 70wt%flux pellets and 30wt%acid pellets exhibits the best softening-melting properties.In comparison to that of the single burden,the softening-melting characteristic temperature of this burden composition was higher.The melting interval first increased from 307 to 362℃and then decreased to 282℃.The maximum pressure drop(ΔPmax)decreased from 26.76 to 19.01 kPa.The permeability index(S)dropped from 4643.5 to 2446.8 kPa·℃.The softening-melting properties of the integrated burden were apparently improved.The acid pellets played a role in withstanding load during the softening process.The flux pellets in the integrated burden exhibited a higher slag melting point,which increased the melting temperature during the melting process.The slag homogeneity and the TiC produced by over-reduction led to the gas permeability deterioration of the single burden.The segregation of the flux and acid pellets in the HVTM proportion and basicity mainly led to the better softening-melting properties of the integrated burden.

Diffusion and reaction mechanism of limestone and quartz in fluxed iron ore pellet roasting process

The increase to the proportion of fluxed pellets in the blast furnace burden is a useful way to reduce the carbon emissions in the ironmaking process.In this study,the interaction between calcium carbonate and iron ore powder and the mineralization mechanism of fluxed iron ore pellet in the roasting process were investigated through diffusion couple experiments.Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to study the elements’diffusion and phase transformation during the roasting process.The results indicated that limestone decomposed into calcium oxide,and magnetite was oxidized to hematite at the early stage of preheating.With the increase in roasting temperature,the diffusion rate of Fe and Ca was obviously accelerated,while the diffusion rate of Si was relatively slow.The order of magnitude of interdiffusion coefficient of Fe_(2)O_(3)-CaO diffusion couple was 10^(−10) m^(2)·s^(−1) at a roasting temperature of 1200℃for 9 h.Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5) was the initial product in the Fe_(2)O_(3)-CaO-SiO_(2) diffusion interface,and then Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5) continued to react with Fe_(2)O_(3) to form CaFe_(2)O_(4).With the expansion of the diffusion region,the sillico-ferrite of calcium liquid phase was produced due to the melting of SiO_(2) into CaFe_(2)O_(4),which can strengthen the consolidation of fluxed pellets.Furthermore,andradite would be formed around a small part of quartz particles,which is also conducive to the consolidation of fluxed pellets.In addition,the principle diagram of limestone and quartz diffusion reaction in the process of fluxed pellet roasting was discussed.

Simulation of deuterium pellet ablation and deposition in the EAST tokamak with HPI2 code

Pellet injection is a primary method for fueling the plasma in magnetic confinement devices.For that goal the knowledges of pellet ablation and deposition profiles are critical.In the present study,the pellet fueling code HPI2 was used to predict the ablation and deposition profiles of deuterium pellets injected into a typical H-mode discharge on the EAST tokamak.Pellet ablation and deposition profiles were evaluated for various pellet injection locations,with the aim at optimizing the pellet injection to obtain a deep fueling depth.In this study,we investigate the effect of the injection angle on the deposition depth of the pellet at different velocities and sizes.The ablation and deposition of the injected pellet are mainly studied at each injection position for three different injection angles:0°,45°,and 60°.The pellet injection on the high field side(HFS)can achieve a more ideal deposition depth than on the low field side(LFS).Among these angles,horizontal injection on the middle plane is relatively better on either the HFS or the LFS.When the injection location is 0.468 m below the middle plane on the HFS or 0.40 m above the middle plane of the LFS,it can achieve a similar deposition depth to the one of its corresponding side.When the pre-cooling effect is taken into account,the deposition depth is predicted to increase only slightly when the pellet is launched from the HFS.The findings of this study will serve as a reference for the update of pellet injection systems for the EAST tokamak.

Pelleting and particle size reduction of corn increase net energy and digestibility of fiber,protein,and fat in corn-soybean meal diets fed to group-housed pigs

Background Reduction of the particle size of corn increases energy digestibility and concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy.Pelleting may also reduce particle size of grain,but it is not known if there are interactions between particle size reduction and pelleting.The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that particle size reduction and pelleting,separately or in combination,increase N balance,apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD)of fiber and fat,and net energy(NE)in corn-soybean meal diets fed to group-housed pigs.Methods Six corn-soybean meal-based diets were used in a 3×2 factorial design with 3 particle sizes of corn(i.e.,700,500,or 300μm)and 2 diet forms(i.e.,meal or pelleted).Pigs were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water.Twenty-four castrated male pigs(initial weight:29.52 kg;standard diviation:1.40)were allotted to the 6 diets using a 6×6 Latin square design with 6 calorimeter chambers(i.e.,4 pigs/chamber)and 6 periods.Oxygen consumption and CO_(2)and CH_(4)productions were measured during fed and fasting states and fecal and urine samples were collected.Results Regardless of particle size of corn,the ATTD of gross energy(GE),N,and acid-hydrolyzed ether extract(AEE),and the concentration of NE were greater(P<0.05)in pelleted diets than in meal diets.Regardless of diet form,the ATTD of GE,N,and AEE,and the concentration of NE were increased(linear;P<0.05)by reducing the particle size of corn,but the increase was greater in meal diets than in pelleted diets(interaction;P<0.05).Conclusions Both pelleting and reduction of corn particle size increased nutrient digestibility and NE,but increases were greater in meal diets than in pelleted diets.

Effect of titanium on the sticking of pellets based on hydrogen metallurgy shaft furnace:Behavior analysis and mechanism evolution

Direct reduction based on hydrogen metallurgical gas-based shaft furnace is a promising technology for the efficient and low-carbon smelting of vanadium-titanium magnetite.However,in this process,the sticking of pellets occurs due to the aggregation of metal-lic iron between the contact surfaces of adjacent pellets and has a serious negative effect on the continuous operation.This paper presents a detailed experimental study of the effect of TiO2 on the sticking behavior of pellets during direct reduction under different conditions.Results showed that the sticking index(SI)decreased linearly with the increasing TiO2 addition.This phenomenon can be attributed to the increase in unreduced FeTiO3 during reduction,leading to a decrease in the number and strength of metallic iron interconnections at the sticking interface.When the TiO2 addition amount was raised from 0 to 15wt%at 1100°C,the SI also increased from 0.71%to 59.91%.The connection of the slag phase could be attributed to the sticking at a low reduction temperature,corresponding to the low sticking strength.Moreover,the interconnection of metallic iron became the dominant factor,and the SI increased sharply with the increase in re-duction temperature.TiO2 had a greater effect on SI at a high reduction temperature than at a low reduction temperature.

Mixed plastics waste valorization to high-added value products via thermally induced phase separation and spin-casting

Plastic waste is an underutilized resource that has the potential to be transformed into value-added materials.However,its chemical diversity leads to cost-intensive sorting techniques,limiting recycling and upcycling opportunities.Herein,we report an open-loop recycling method to produce graded feedstock from mixed polyolefins waste,which makes up 60%of total plastic waste.The method uses heat flow scanning to quantify the composition of plastic waste and resolves its compatibility through controlled dissolution.The resulting feedstock is then used to synthesize blended pellets,porous sorbents,and superhydrophobic coatings via thermally induced phase separation and spin-casting.The hybrid approach broadens the opportunities for reusing plastic waste,which is a step towards creating a more circular economy and better waste management practices.

Persicaria lanigera (Polygonaceae) leaf extract exhibits antiulcerogenic and antiproliferative activities against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis and cotton pellet-induced granuloma tissue in rats

Objective:To assess the effect of leaf extract of Persicaria lanigera on cotton pellet-induced granuloma tissue formation and acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis.Methods:Rats were randomly divided into six groups:normal control,negative control,positive control(dexamethasone or sulfasalazine)as well as Persicaria lanigera(100-600 mg/kg)-treated groups.The effects of the extracts on body weight,antioxidant,and hematological parameters,as well as mast cell proliferation,were assessed.In addition,a histological evaluation was conducted.Results:Persicaria lanigera extract significantly decreased the mean exudate amount and suppressed granuloma tissue formation in a concentration-dependent manner in rats(P<0.05).Additionally,the extract significantly increased body weight,improved hematological profile,reduced the disease activity index score and malondialdehyde level,as well as enhanced catalase and superoxide dismutase activities(P<0.05).Histological evaluation showed Persicaria lanigera extract alleviated acetic acid-induced colonic damages,as evidenced by decreased cell necrosis,edema,and inflammatory cell infiltration.Conclusions:Persicaria lanigera extract possesses antiproliferative,antioxidative,and anti-colitis activities.However,its underlying mechanisms of action need further investigation.

Industrial utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings as pellet prepared by straight grate process

The utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings is an urgent issue faced by gold production companies worldwide.The thermodynamic analysis results indicate that ferrous arsenate(FeAsO_(4)),pyrite(FeS_(2))and sodium cyanide(NaCN)in the arsenic-containing gold metallurgical tailings can be effectively removed using straight grate process,and the removal of pyrite and sodium cyanide is basically completed during the preheating stage,while the removal of ferrous arsenate requires the roasting stage.The pellets undergo a transformation from magnetite to hematite during the preheating process,and are solidified through micro-crystalline bonding and high-temperature recrystallization of hematite(Fe_(2)O_(3))during the roasting process.Ultimately,pellets with removal rates of 80.77% for arsenic,88.78% for sulfur,and 99.88% for cyanide are obtained,as well as the iron content is 61.1% and the compressive strength is 3071 N,meeting the requirements for blast furnace burden.This study provides an industrially feasible method for treating arsenic-containing gold smelting tailings,benefiting gold production enterprises.

Probing deactivation by coking in catalyst pellets for dry reforming of methane using a pore network model

Dry reforming of methane(DRM) is an attractive technology for utilizing the greenhouse gases(CO_(2) and CH_(4)) to produce syngas. However, the catalyst pellets for DRM are heavily plagued by deactivation by coking, which prevents this technology from commercialization. In this work, a pore network model is developed to probe the catalyst deactivation by coking in a Ni/Al_(2)O_(3) catalyst pellet for DRM. The reaction conditions can significantly change the coking rate and then affect the catalyst deactivation. The catalyst lifetime is higher under lower temperature, pressure, and CH_(4)/CO_(2) molar ratio, but the maximum coke content in a catalyst pellet is independent of these reaction conditions. The catalyst pellet with larger pore diameter, narrower pore size distribution and higher pore connectivity is more robust against catalyst deactivation by coking, as the pores in this pellet are more difficult to be plugged or inaccessible.The maximum coke content is also higher for narrower pore size distribution and higher pore connectivity, as the number of inaccessible pores is lower. Besides, the catalyst pellet radius only slightly affects the coke content, although the diffusion limitation increases with the pellet radius. These results should serve to guide the rational design of robust DRM catalyst pellets against deactivation by coking.

Effect mechanism of aluminum occurrence and content on the induration characteristics of iron ore pellets

With the intensified depletion of high-grade iron ores,the increased aluminum content in iron ore concentrates has become unavoidable,which is detrimental to the pelletization process.Therefore,the effect mechanism of aluminum on pellet quality must be identified.In this study,the influence of aluminum occurrence and content on the induration of hematite(H)and magnetite(M)pellets was investigated through the addition of corresponding Al-containing additives,including alumina,alumogoethite,gibbsite,and kaolinite.Systematic mineralogical analysis,combined with the thermodynamic properties of different aluminum occurrences and the quantitative characterization of consolidation behaviors,were conducted to determine the related mechanism.The results showed that the alumina from various aluminum occurrences adversely affected the induration characteristics of pellets,especially at an aluminum content of more than 2.0wt%.The thermal decomposition of gibbsite and kaolinite tends to generate internal stress and fine cracks,which hinder the respective microcrystalline bonding and recrystallization between Fe2O3particles.The adverse effect on the induration characteristics of fired pellets with different aluminum occurrences can be relieved to varying degrees through the formation of liquid phase bonds between the hematite particles.Kaolinite is more beneficial to the induration process than the other three aluminum occurrences because of the formation of more liquid phase,which improves pellet consolidation.The research results can further provide insights into the effect of aluminum occurrence and content in iron ore concentrates on downstream processing and serve as a guide for the utilization of high-alumina iron ore concentrates in pelletization.

Elucidating the suppression of lithium dendrite growth with a void-reduced anti-perovskite solid-state electrolyte pellet for stable lithium metal anodes

Solid-state lithium-metal batteries,with their high theoretical energy density and safety,are highly promising as a next-generation battery contender.Among the alternatives proposed as solid-state electrolyte,lithium-rich anti-perovskite(Li RAP)materials have drawn the most interest because of high theoretical Li^(+)conductivity,low cost and easy processing.Although solid-state electrolytes are believed to have the potential to physically inhibit the lithium dendrite growth,lithium-metal batteries still suffer from the lithium dendrite growth and thereafter the short circuiting.The voids in practical Li RAP pellets are considered as the root cause.Herein,we show that reducing the voids can effectively suppress the lithium dendrite growth.The voids in the pellet resulted in an irregular Li^(+)flux distribution and a poor interfacial contact with lithium metal anode;and hence the ununiform lithium dendrites.Consequently,the lithium-metal symmetric cell with void-reduced Li_(2)OHCl-HT pellet was able to display excellent cycling performance(750 h at 0.4 m A cm^(-2))and stability at high current density(0.8 m A cm^(-2)for 120 h).This study provides not only experimental evidence for the impact of the voids in Li RAP pellets on the lithium dendrite growth,but also a rational pellet fabrication approach to suppress the lithium dendrite growth.

Hydrochar Pelletization towards Solid Biofuel from Biowaste Hydrothermal Carbonization

Hydrothermal carbonization is highly applicable to high moisture biomass upgrading due to the fact that moist-ure involved can be directly used as reaction media under the subcritical-water region.With this,value-added utilization of hydrochar as solid fuel with high carbon and energy density is one of the important pathways for biomass conversion.In this review,the dewatering properties of hydrochar after the hydrothermal carbonization of biowaste,coalification degree with elemental composition and evolution,pelletization of hydrochar to enhance the mechanical properties and density,coupled with the combustion properties of hydrochar biofuel were discussed with various biomass and carbonization parameters.Potential applications for the co-combustion with coal,cleaner properties and energy balance for biowaste hydrothermal carbonization were presented as well as the challenges.

The Logistics of Production and Supply of Ag Pellets for Industrial Applications in Canada

In this work we analyze the supply of biomass from field to an in-land or port destination. The biomass is pelletized to increase its bulk density to extend its storage period and for ease of its transport. The pellet may be used for conversion to chemicals and animal bedding or for straight combustion. We analyzed supply chain in Saskatchewan where there are plenty of crop residues but widely dispersed and harvest seasons are short. We envisioned that the farmer collects bales from field and transports the bales to farmstead during the harvest season. The bales are then processed into pellets using small scale pellet equipment. A custom operator with expertise in pelletization may engage in handling and densifying the biomass. The business case for the mobile mill will be similar to the well established custom grain and forage harvesting operations. The pellets are stored in hopper bottom grain bins at the farmstead. From this point, the handling of pellets would be similar to the handling and marketing of grain. The farmer trucks a specified volume of pellets from farmstead to the nearest elevator where the pellets are transferred to larger bins or silos. Pellets are extracted from silos and loaded onto the rail cars. The Canadian freight rail companies (mainly CN) currently transport over 3 million dry tonne (dt) of wood pellets in rail cars. The pellets are hauled to marine ports on the West Coast or East Coast for export. The cost of delivering ag pellets to biorefinery or to the shipping port is $86.09/dt. This cost does not include the equivalent value of removing biomass from the farm (e.g. fertilizer replacement) and return on investment. The GHG emissions to produce and transport ag pellets add up to 185.9 kg of CO2 per dt of biomass. The cost of producing pellets without drying feedstock is $35.05/dt and the corresponding GHG for palletization amounts $146.30/dt.

Advanced Strategies to Mobilize Crop Residue to Replace Coal in India

Various published data show the amount of crop residue available annually in India may range from a low of 90 to a high of 180 million tonnes. Different types of crop residue are collected from farmers depending on the geography and crop pattern for instance, in north India rice straw and cotton stalks are collected while in central India soya husk and sugarcane tops are collected. Baling and transporting straw from the field, though appear to be an option for safe disposal, will be feasible only when alternate, effective and economically viable usage methods are identified and facilities and infrastructure for ex-situ management methods are created. One immediate short term use of the residue is to replace 5% - 7% of the 670 million tonnes of coal India currently consumes to generate power. The farmers will benefit from the sale of their excess crop residue. The scheme will reduce pollution due to residue burning practices. Replacing coal will cut the GHG emissions. The challenge is to mobilize the crop residue collection and timely delivery to power plants. The data and calculations in this monogram show that it is economical for the farmer to remove the crop residue from the field quickly by using modern balers, to pelletize the biomass in small-scale distributed pellet plants, to store pellets in the modern steel bins and finally to deliver the pellets to coal plants by using rail transport. The delivered cost is estimated at around Rp 6.78/kg. The Government of India encourages the power plants to pay at least Rp 10/kg for the delivered biomass in the form of pellets. The current monogram analyzes the organization of an efficient supply chain in the State of Haryana India to ensure a sustainable modern enterprise.