Pipeline Transport of Wheat Straw Biomass

• Author / Creator

  Luk, Jason

• This study experimentally evaluated wheat straw slurry pipelines. Tests were conducted to determine the particle properties of the biomass mixed in water over time. The saturated particle density of 1,060kg/m3 was reached after 24 hours, while the saturated moisture contents of 78.5% and 79.5% were later reached for particle sizes of 1/8” and 3/4" respectively.

  A pipeline loop was redesigned to operate with 1/8”, 1/4", and 3/4" straw particle slurries at up to 30% wet basis concentrations. The modifications allowed measurements of pressure loss through a length of pipe.

  These measurements which show the influences of drag reducing fibre suspension. Straw particles added to water lowered the pressure loss, by suppressing turbulence at lower concentrations or higher velocities. Additional straw further improved the result, until the maximum concentration was reached. High concentrations create plugs, increasing the pressure loss. Longer straw particles can further reduce losses, but have lower maximum concentrations.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Pipelines
  • Fiber Suspension
  • Slurry
  • Wheat Straw
  • Biomass
  • Drag Reduction
  • Transport
  • Biofuel

• Graduation date

  Fall 2010

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3891T

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.