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    ag products and residues

    AG Products and Residues

    Agricultural products and residues can include a large variety of materials. See the list below for common sources. The United States contains hundreds of millions of tons of agricultural residues. Often left on fields, forests or land-filled, large quantities go to waste each year. There are economic and environmental benefits to utilizing these materials.

    Ash Material Handling Interior Design

    Ash

    Ash generation is increasing due to use of coal, biomass, and other feedstocks as fuel sources. Consideration of trace elements, leaching, and volatile minerals are necessary for ash systems. Proper handling of ash is vital for environmental impact and regulatory compliance.

    Reclaimer, Conveyor at Wood Waste Processing Plant

    Biomass

    The use of biomass for power, fuel and chemicals continues to increase around the world. Biomass is a part of a process called gasification, which works to create synthetic gas or fuel. This process lowers the carbon intensity compared to traditional processes. Biomass can be sources from waste materials, wood, grass, or other organic materials. Properties vary depending on the type of biomass used. There are no set standards for biomass handling.

    Stacker, Conveyors at Coal Processing Facility

    Coal and Mineral

    Coal is a critical fuel for power generation. Generation of electricity starts by burning coal to heat water, which creates steam. The steam drives turbines which create electricity. Other sources of electricity such as wind and solar, unreliable and hard to store. Coal is abundant and reliable. For increased environmental efficiency, coal and biomass can burn together. Gasification of synthetic gas can also made with coal.

    Stacker at Fertilizer Granular Terminal

    Granular Fertilizer

    Granular fertilizers can be natural or synthetic in origin. The small granules decay over time releasing nutrients. the two types of fertilizer are organic and inorganic. Organic fertilizers contain compost, biosolids and manure. Inorganic fertilizers combine nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. The fertilizer market is over $150 billion in the United States alone.

    Log Processing Equipment at Paper Mill

    Logs

    The United States contains over 800 million acres of forest land. About sixty percent is private owned. Various levels of thegovernment own the rest. Timber harvesting is a great economic benefit in wood products, power and fuel. It also has several environmental benefits. Benefits include mitigating forest fires, allows space for new trees, and improving habit for wildlife.

    7-1b-Wolf-municipal-solid-waste-rdf-2-Edited

    Municipal Solid Waste

    Municipal Solid Waste consists of residential and commercial garbage. It can contain metal, wood, plastic, textile, and organic material. The United States is the largest producer of municipal solid waste in the world. The waste is often stored in landfills. Mostofthe material in municipal solid waste is reusable. Metal and glass are recyclable. Paper and plastic have uses in power generation. Food scraps and plant matter are great for fertilizer and compost.

    Distribution and Return Drag Conveyors over Metering Bins for Boiler Feed

    Refuse Derived Fuel

    Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) come from certain components of municipal solid waste. Power generation is a great alternative for these material that would otherwise go to landfill. In combination with coal or biomass, RDF can be a great fuel source. RDF is also used for pyrolysis and fluidized bed systems.

    Belt Conveyor

    Sludge

    Sludge is a semi-solid slurry that is a byproduct of industrial processes. Some common processes that produce slurry are water treatment and sanitation systems. Sludge contains liquid and semi-solid components and often contains contaminants.

    Tire Derived Fuel

    Tire Derived Fuel

    Tire Derived Fuel (TDF) are tires in shredded form used to supplement tradition fuels. Some combustion devices can use whole tires. About 45% of all discarded tires in the United States become tire derived fuel. This is about 130 million tires per year.

    Airoflex Standard Pivot Trailer Tipper

    Wood Chips

    Wood chips are small to medium sized pieces of wood often derived from wood waste. Creation of chips is by cutting or chipping larger logs or wood pieces. Wood Chips have many uses such as fuel for power generation, mulch, cooking, and composting.

    Duel Back-On Truck Dumpers and Receiving Hoppers

    Wood Pellets

    Wood Pellets are one of the fastest growing segments of the biomass industry. Pellets are often created from waste feedstocks such as sawdust or wood shavings. Common uses for pellets include residential and commercial heating, electricity generation and cooking. Wood pellets are often considered a renewable energy source.