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Hemp Biomass Mankowski
Hemp Biomass Mankowski
parenchyma
leaf epidermis
The natural fibres, which are characterized by the: * high tenacity, * elasticity, * low specific weight.
Hemp fibres
The new technology of flax and hemp fibre extraction is based on decorticator processing of raw flax and hemp stalks and cleaning unit. The system could be applied as well in case of other bast plants processing: kenaf, jute and ramie. A decorticator equipped with hardened elements breaking the stem performs extraction of fibre from raw hemp straw. The fibre produced by the decorticator requires additional cleaning to remove the shives. The cleaning process is conducted in preliminary cleaning machine, equipped with sieves and a drum with vertical bars that separate the remains of wood.
A new decorticating technology allows for significant simplification of a processing method used so far, improvement of production economics through reduction of energy and labour consumption during extraction of fibre. The processing of hemp and flax straw proposed here eliminates labour consuming, costly and depending on weather conditions natural retting processes and additional drying of straw before processing (maximum moisture content in the straw in the new technology 18%).
The processing yield: ca. 1500 kg/h of the raw material The extraction process provides 25-30% of decorticated fibre, of impurities content: 20-25% for raw straw 10-15% for retted straw
Decorticator
Using the loosening and cleaning elements of textile machines (the drum of carding machine) allowed for obtaining fibre containing 4-5% of impurities.
Fibre parameters
Average fibre impurities content Average length of decorticated fibre Average strength of decorticated fibre
After decortication
20-25% 58,9 mm 33,4 cN/tex
After cleaning
4-5% 48,5 mm 22,5 cN/tex
Decorticated fibre
Possibilities of utilization of decorticated fibre * pulp and paper mass * composite materials * nonwoven
Cellulose
Pulp on the base of long fibre is characterised by such features: * high mechanical strength, * resistance to tearing, * resistance to bending, * elasticity, * durability, * high porosity.
* banknote and securities, * thin stationery (letter paper) * base paper for packaging tapes, * high quality book paper e.g. for Bible
The obtained fibre, as well as waste hurds (shive), can be an excellent component for production of composite materials.
Possible bast fibres for use: Hemp fibres improve the breaking strength of the mat. Flax fibres improve the filling and water capacity of the mat.
The mats, basen on nonwoven, developed at the Institute of Natural Fibres & Medicinal Plants in Poznan, are designed for protection zones that prevent spreading infectious diseases such as e.g. avian flu. They are recommended for use at: passages in the area of chicken farms, cowshed, pigsties, dairies, fodder plants, slaughter-house, food processing plants, apiaries, livestock collection points, mushroom-growing cellars, border crossings.
Examples of application
In Poland, the Ministry of Economy is working on a document Energy Policy for Poland till 2030. The document is to define in details the strategic directions of action in the area of energy policy of the state. It is foreseen that estimated potential of domestic renewable energy resources in agriculture is about 120 PJ in 10 year horizon. According to the strategic provisions related to utilization of renewable energy resources, the main emphasis will be on energy obtained from industrial plants and biogas in farm biogas plants. The share of renewable energy in energy balance of the state is gradually growing: from 1.5% in 2001 up to 7.5% in 2010. It is estimated that the use of renewable energy in 2020 will reach 14% and 20% in 2030.
The reasons for utilization of flax and hemp biomass as a source of energy:
ECOLOGICAL FACTORS: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION THE DECREASE OF THE HARMFUL EFFECT OF AGRICULTURE ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT INCREASE OF THE CROPS DIVERSITY ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FACTORS: DECREASE OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT IN RURAL AREAS
The basic advantage of the biomass as the raw material for energy is the significant decrease of the CO2 emission to the atmosphere in comparison with the coal burning parameters. The steam of the CO2 emitted during the biomass burning is absorbed in the plant photosynthesis and it utilized for their growth.
Hemp is a phytosanitary crop, which enables hemp introduction to each crop ratation, practically after almost every other type of crop. Industrial hemp is observed as so called plastic crop: adapts to the new conditions easily, with significant forms, biological-morphological and economic value diversity It is estimated that cultivation of 1 ha of hemp absorbs about 2,5 tons of CO2 whitch contributes significantly to lessening of the green house effect.
hemp shives
25%
75%
fibres
shives
flax shives
In Poland up to 1990, the utilization of shives to the production of the particleboards was popular. Due to the transformation of the economy, the and technological changes- the shives were almost not applied to the production of the boards. Currently the shives are the waste 30 products.
The shives in a loose form are a dangerous material, which can explode during the burning process, due to the presence of dust. Unlike wooden chips, shives do not have to be dried before briquette production, which affects positively the economic aspects of their utilisation.
Composit materials
Shives
Short fibres
Celuloza
32
The scheme of the line for flax and hemp shives pellets production
1. Loading of the grinding device 2. Grinding device 3. Loading of the cheaping container 4. Cheaping container 5. Loading the pelleting machine (pelleter) 6. Pelleting machine (pelleter) 7. Cooling device 8. Filter 9. Collection of pellets
34
The scheme of the line for flax and hemp shives briquettes production.
1. Cyclone 2. Container (tank) 3. Press 4. Steering panel 5. Stabilizer of briquettes
Briquetting machine
The trials conducted at the INF&MP showed that it is not necessary to apply the bonding chemicals additivers as the shives are bonded by natural plant substances and high pressure.
The processors of flax and hemp straw could obtain additional income, by selling the heating briquettes, produced on the base of flax and hemp shives, instead of paying for the by-products storage.
According to the European Union regulations, the description of the planned utilization of by-products from flax and hemp straw processing, is the necessary condition to apply for the direct subventions.
Heat of combustion of hemp shives and their mixture with rape meal
rape m eal 30% hem p shives 70% rape m eal 70% hem p shives 30%
19,0
19,6
hem p shives
18,8
rape m eal
19,9 18 19 [MJ/kg] 20
200 [GJ/ha]
50
The very high energy efficiency is a result of high heat of combustion of hemp which is 18.8 MJ/kg and high yield of dry matter per hectare. Energetic value of rapeseed is also high (17.6 MJ/kg). Thus, the conclusion is that energy efficiency of plants is mainly affected by the level of yield rather than by the heat of combustion. Consequently, the profitability of crops cultivated for biomass depends on the selection of proper plant species which should be characterized by high and stable yields of dry matter and relatively easy and low energy consuming agronomic treatments applied.
Application of the production technology of briquettes made of flax and hemp shives will allow for:
Increase of the share of the renewable energy in the fuel-energetic balance of the country. The utilization of shives, which are currently a by-product, as the renewable source of energy of standard value. Utylization of the waste raw materials from flax and hemp processing, which rational usage is the condition for gaining the European Commission subsides. Creating new work places in the agriculture sector as well as enlargement of the scope of the services provided in agricultural processing. Creating alternative sources of incomes derived from the production of non food renewable raw materials.