 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Machine makes wood chips a coal substitute
Raleigh, N.C. (UPI) Mar 16, 2009 North Carolina State University scientists say they've created a machine that turns wood chips into a coal substitute by using a process called torrefaction. Environmentalists have long been concerned about the environmental impact of burning of fossil fuels -- especially coal. The combustion of coal contributes to acid rain and air pollution and has been connected with global warming. During torrefaction, wood chips go through a machine that removes moisture and toasts the biomass. The machine, called a torrefier, uses heat in a low-oxygen environment to make the wood chips both drier and easier to crush. Although the torrefied wood is lighter than the original wood chips, researchers said it retains 80 percent of the original energy content in one-third the weight. "This process could help us build a bridge to more energy independence," said Chris Hopkins, a doctoral student in forestry and the developer of the torrefier machine. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
Crisis a chance to tackle climate change, create green jobs
Singapore (AFP) March 16, 2009Measures to help ease climate change should be integrated into massive stimulus packages aimed at fighting the global economic crisis, environmental groups and government officials said. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook