Much like raw petroleum and natural gas are upgraded in dedicated refineries, biofuel feedstock is processed in biorefineries. The poor operational reliability of these facilities, estimated to be about 30%, spurred researchers from U.S. Los Alamos National Laboratory to collaborate with engineers from Jenike & Johanson, a bulk solids storage company, to devise a solution.

Reliability issues arise from the processing of moisture-laden corn stover, which can clog conveyors and Wire diagram of Smart Chutes demonstrating the innovative functionality to actively discard problematic biomass material having high-moisture content. Source: Jenike & Johansonchutes that direct the material around the refinery and cause work stoppages. This workflow problem can be averted with Smart Transfer Chutes designed by the researchers, which feature integrated acoustic moisture sensors to enhance operational reliability of biorefineries.

The in-line acoustic moisture sensors provide continuous, real-time monitoring by directing soundwaves through corn stover as it is being processed. Detection of moisture content high enough to cause a stoppage prompts the sensor to send a signal to another device, and a computer engages a track change on the conveyor belt, redirecting it to be further dried.

The technology is expected to bolster the cost-effective production of biofuels.