BULK DENSITY OF WET AND DRY WHEAT STRAW AND SWITCHGRASS PARTICLES

ABSTRACT. Bulk density is a major physical property in designing the logistic system for biomass handling. The size, shape, moisture content, individual particle density, and surface characteristics are few factors affecting the bulk density. This research investigates the effects of true particle lengths ranging from 6 to 50 mm and moisture contents ranging from 8 % to 60 % wet basis (wb) on the bulk density of wheat straw and switchgrass. Three types of particle densities of straw and switchgrass measured were: a hollow particle density assuming a hollow cylindrical geometry, a solid particle density assuming a solid cylindrical geometry, and a particle density measured using a gas pycnometer at a gas pressure of 40 kPa. The bulk density of both loose‐fill and packed‐fill biomass samples was examined. The calculated wet and dry bulk density ranged from 24 to 111 kg m‐3 for straw and from 49 to 266 kg m‐3 for switchgrass. The corresponding tapped bulk density ranged from 34 to 130 kg m‐3 for straw and 68 to 323 kg m‐3 for switchgrass. The increase in bulk density due to tapping the container was from 10 % for short 6‐mm particles to more than 50 % for long 50‐mm particles. An equation relating the bulk density of stems as a function of moisture content, dry bulk density, and particle size was developed. After the validation of this bulk density equation, the relationship would be highly useful in designing the logistics system for large‐scale transport of biomass to a biorefinery. The bulk density and particle density data of uniform particles would be important, if straw and switchgrass is used for pulping and paper making