Terminal Velocity for Separation Basis

Terminal velocities of selected biomass anatomical components were measured (Fig 1) to determine if aerodynamic settling of biomass particles would provide a basis for separating components. The objectives were to: 1) determine terminal velocity differences between node and internode biomass segments of comparable diameter and volume for switchgrass, wheat straw, and corn stalks, 2) evaluate the effects of switchgrass particle length and moisture content on terminal velocity differences between nodes and internodes, and 3) evaluate the effects of corn stalk pith, rind, and moisture content on terminal velocity differences between nodes and internodes. Biomass studied included wheat straw, switchgrass, and corn stalk.

Fig 1. Terminal velocity measurement device specifically developed for biomass particles. Airstream velocity is up to 10 m/s.