Disc mill

Abstract: Rotary size reduction equipment were instrumented to identify important operating parameters with the aim of minimizing energy consumption while reducing the size of lignocellulosic biomass. Size reduction equipment included a knife mill, hammer mill, and disc mill. Monitored parameters included input power and particle size distributions.. Operating parameters included angular velocity, mass rate, screen size, and biomass selection. Results indicated optimum operating conditions with minimal energy input. Geometric mean dimensions of biomass particles varied from 5x for particle length to 0.3x for particle width when comparing actual to ASABE sieve results – highlighting the need for better consensus standards on particle size reporting.

Abstract: Biomass utilization for bio-energy, bio-fuels or bio-based products requires reduction of the material size within specific ranges depending on feedstock specie, handling and further processing / conversion processes. Biomass size reduction is a mechanical treatment process that refers to either cutting or comminuting processes that significantly change the particles size, shape and bulk density of organic material. Rotary equipment such as knife mill, hammer mill and disc mill perform the above-mentioned processes in various ways, as function of physical-mechanical properties of the material, tools geometry, feeding parameters and dynamics of particles separation. This paper is intended as a comprehensive review of rotary machines design and process investigation that is closely related to material properties as well as requirements for further mechanical or bio-chemical processing.