Co-Harvest and Anaerobic Co-Storage of Corn Grain and Stover as Biomass Feedstocks

Pike, Benjamin C.; Shinners, Kevin J.; Timm, Aaron J.; Friede, Josh; Digman, Matthew F.

doi:10.13031/ja.15299

Cited by 3 publications

(7 citation statements)

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“…It is envisioned that at removal from anaerobic storage, the comingled grain and stover will be quickly transported to a biorefinery where separation of these two fractions will occur soon after delivery. It is unlikely that fermented corn kernels separated from stover will have a long storage duration before end use because the fermentation level is low and aerobic heating could be an issue [4]. For this reason, it is also unlikely that kernels will be stored in large grain bins, where packing from pressure of large overlaying grain mass will affect bulk density.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…), the stover moisture would typically be 30% to 55% (w.b.) [4]. Successful conservation of the co-stored fractions of corn grain and stover is facilitated by anerobic storage and fermentation of both fractions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…During prolonged anerobic storage, the corn kernels gain moisture from the moist stover [4]. A system employing a combination of air classification and mechanical sieving has been developed, in which up to 97% of the moist, fermented grain was separated from the stover [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The corn kernel properties changed during anerobic storage with moist corn stover. Pike et al [4] reported that moisture migrated from the moist stover to the drier grain during an anaerobic storage duration of greater than eight months. Corn kernel moisture content averaged 24.6% (w.b.)…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Physical Properties of Moist, Fermented Corn Kernels

et al. 2023

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A novel approach to producing corn stover biomass feedstock has been investigated. In this approach, corn grain and stover are co-harvested at moisture contents much less than typical corn silage. The grain and stover are conserved together by anaerobic storage and fermentation and then separated before end use. When separated from the stover, the moist, fermented grain had physical characteristics that differ from typical low-moisture, unfermented grain. A comprehensive study was conducted to quantify the physical properties of this moist, fermented grain. Six corn kernel treatments, either fermented or unfermented, having different moisture contents, were used. Moist, fermented kernels (26 and 36% w.b. moisture content) increased in size during storage. The fermented kernels’ widths and thicknesses were 10% and 15% greater, respectively, and their volume was 28% greater than the dry kernels (15% w.b.). Dry basis particle density was 9% less for moist, fermented kernels. Additionally, the dry basis bulk density was 29% less, and the dry basis hopper-discharged mass flow rate was 36% less. Moist, fermented grain had significantly greater kernel-to-kernel coefficients of friction and angles of repose compared to relatively dry grain. The friction coefficient on four different surfaces was also significantly greater for fermented kernels. Fermented corn kernels had lower individual kernel rupture strengths than unfermented kernels. These physical differences must be considered when designing material handling and processing systems for moist, fermented corn grain.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Physical Properties of Moist, Fermented Corn Kernels

et al. 2023

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“…Conservation of the co-stored fractions is facilitated by anaerobic storage and fermentation [1]. During anaerobic storage, the grain gains moisture from the moist stover and becomes lightly fermented [3]. Fermented corn kernels have been shown to have different physical properties than typical dry grain [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical Properties of Moist, Fermented Corn Grain after Processing by Grinding or Milling

Blazer,

Shinners,

Kluge

et al. 2024

AgriEngineering

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A novel biomass production system, integrating the co-harvesting and co-storage of moist corn grain and stover, promises a reduction in delivered feedstock costs. In this innovative method, the dry grain traditionally utilized for feed or biofuel production will now be processed at a considerably greater moisture content. The adoption of this approach may necessitate a substantial redesign of existing material handling infrastructure to effectively accommodate the handling and storage of moist grain after processing by milling or grinding. A comprehensive study was conducted to quantify the physical properties of this grain after processing with a knife processor or a hammermill. The geometric mean particle size, bulk and tapped density, sliding angle, material coefficient of friction, and discharged angle of repose were quantified. Five grain treatments, either fermented or unfermented, and having different moisture contents, were used. After processing, the moist, fermented ground grain exhibited a significantly smaller particle size compared to the dry grain. Additionally, both moist processed grains resulted in a decreased bulk density and increased material sliding angle, friction coefficient, and angle of repose. The examined metrics collectively suggest that handling, mixing, and storing moist ground grain will pose significant challenges compared to conventional dry ground grain. This increased difficulty may lead to substantially higher costs, a crucial factor that must be carefully considered when evaluating the overall economics of implementing this new biomass production system using combined harvesting and storage of corn grain and stover.

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Anaerobic Storage Characteristics of Whole-Ear Corn and Stover

et al. 2023

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Whole-plant corn has been previously investigated as a biomass feedstock. Current approaches are analogous to harvesting whole-plant corn for livestock feed or biogas production. They include utilizing a self-propelled forage harvester to harvest the plant as a bulk material and storing it anaerobically. This process leads to grain damage, reducing the marketability of the grain after fractionation. This work investigated a process that included harvesting and anaerobically storing whole-ear corn with corn stover as an alternative. Over two harvest seasons, dry matter losses, moisture content changes, and grain damage were assessed after anaerobic storage. Less than 3% grain damage was observed across all treatments. Stover moisture decreased by 3% to 7% wet basis. Depending on the harvest year (p < 0.001), grain moisture content increased by 7 to 10 percentage points wet basis (p = 0.012). Cob moisture increased by about four percentage points wet basis regardless of harvest year (p = 0.49). Dry matter losses for the overall treatment were less than 3% across both harvest seasons, but high variability was observed when reviewing the losses in the ear and stover fractions. Based on this work, whole ear storage should be considered where subsequent grain fractionation and the marketability of the grain fraction are a concern.

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Co-Harvest and Anaerobic Co-Storage of Corn Grain and Stover as Biomass Feedstocks

Cited by 3 publications

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Physical Properties of Moist, Fermented Corn Kernels

Physical Properties of Moist, Fermented Corn Kernels

Physical Properties of Moist, Fermented Corn Grain after Processing by Grinding or Milling

Anaerobic Storage Characteristics of Whole-Ear Corn and Stover

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