Adrian Pirraglia

Technical and Economic Modeling for the Production of Torrefied Lignocellulosic Biomass for the U.S. Densified Fuel Industry

During recent years, a renovated interest in the pre-treatment of biomass through torrefaction has led to several proposals on industrial-scale application of the technology. Torrefaction holds promising characteristics for obtaining a high-energy yield biomass for further processing, including densified biofuels such as pellets and briquettes, at low overall costs, low energy input, and high capacity and availability for the near future, having the capability of displacing coal in power facilities. Despite many efforts in developing the technology at an industrial scale, very few manufacturers and companies are offering torrefied machinery and lignocellulosic torrefied biomass. Furthermore, information about the actual profitability of the business, sensitivity, and costs of torrefied biomass are very scarce and are limited to very focused studies in some areas of the production, but not in the overall supply chain, and manufacturing processes. This study aimed to develop and validate a technical and economic model for the production of lignocellulosic torrefied biomass for its utilization in the solid biofuels industry, with a focus on production and delivered costs for U.S. potential manufacturers. This model also includes analysis of important variables affecting production, such as biomass delivered costs, capital expenditure (CAPEX), and technology availability. Results indicate that the production of torrefied lignocellulosic biomass can be profitable for U.S. manufacturers, subject to a high sensitivity on biomass cost, CAPEX, and technology affordability for large-scale production. Other sensitive facts include carbon credits scenarios, which may influence profitability based on analyses of net present value and internal rate of return for the manufacturing facility.

Lean manufacturing in the US South Atlantic Region: an overview of the current state of implementation in the secondary wood industry

Abstract The US secondary wood industry has been facing tough market conditions. Companies believe that business will continue to be hampered by falling profits, consumers and employment throughout all 2010–2011. These market conditions are not a recent event; it has been a challenging market for over two decades. Secondary wood industries have had to change its status quo to be able to retain market share and stay in business. Proposed changes for the secondary wood industry include lean manufacturing implementation. This research studied the current state of lean manufacturing implementation in the US South Atlantic Region by means of an online survey. Results indicated that lean manufacturing is perceived as an excellent philosophy for making the secondary wood industry more competitive and it has an important implementation potential. Differences between diverse industry segments on the triggers and resources that lead to implementing lean manufacturing were also found.