What is a feedstock handling system?

A feedstock handling system refers to the set of equipment and processes used to receive, store, covey, and prepare raw biomass materials. Such examples of the raw biomass materials are corn, sugarcane, or cellulosic materials.

What do feedstock handling system consist of?

The systems consist of receiving, storage, cleaning and pre-processing, conveyance, flow control and metering, and dust control systems.

Receiving

Equipment, such as hoppers and dump pits, unload the raw material from trucks, railway cars, or conveyor systems.

Storage

After being unloaded, the raw material is then moved to silos, bins, and/or warehouses for storage. As a result, an ethanol plant can store bulk biomass while maintaining quality and minimizing spoilage.

Cleaning and pre-processing

Cleaning: Before grinding or milling can occur the raw material goes through a cleaning system to remove contaminants, such as rocks, dust, sticks, or metal. This is done to ensure product quality. Additionally, this is done to prevent equipment from damage and improve equipment efficiency.

Preprocessing: After cleaning the feedstock is prepared for fermentation. First, the corn is crushed into fine meal which increases surface are for enzyme action. Secondly, the material is mixed with water to form a slurry (also called a mash). Third, the slurry is then heated to break down long starch chains into shorter chains (dextrins). Lastly, additional enzymes are added to convert dextrins into fermentable sugars (mostly glucose).

Flow Control and Metering

Flow Control: Regulates how much feedstock is allowed to pass through different parts of the system at a given. Thus, by controlling the flow a consistent feed to the fermenters and grinders can be achieved, as well as optimizing residence time in process units.

Flow Measurement: Quantifies how much material is moving, typically in tons/house or pounds/minute. A massive help to measuring the conveyor’s mass flow is Ronan Measurement’s nuclear flow meters. Ronan units measure the mass flow rate to ensure accurate material tracking and inventory control.

Why do Ethanol Plants use it?

Ethanol plants use feedstock handling systems for a variety of reasons. Such examples are, to ensure consistent supply to the process, protect equipment, maximize efficiency, improve safety, and ensure quality control.