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Miscanthus for biofuel production additional resources

Related articles and information

(Excerpted from Miscanthus for Biofuel Production Article)

  • Amalraj V.A. & Balasundaram N. (2006) On the taxonomy of the members of ‘saccharum complex’. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 53, 35-41.
  • Beale C.V., Bint D.A. & Long S.P. (1996) Leaf photosynthesis in the c-4-grass miscanthus x giganteus, growing in the cool temperate climate of southern england. Journal of Experimental Botany, 47, 267-273.
  • Burner D.M., Tew T.L., Harvey J.J. & Belesky D.P. (2009) Dry matter partitioning and quality
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Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) for Biofuel Production

Looking for a perennial biomass crop that grows well on marginal land, needs little fertility, and weed management only during establishment? Research on giant miscanthus shows it produces twice the biomass of switchgrass.

Miscanthus
Giant miscanthus. Photo: Jeff Skousen.

Contents

Abstract

Giant …

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Handling Strong Acids in Biodiesel Production

Sulfuric and Hydrochloric Acids

Acids may be used in treating high free fatty acid (FFA) feedstocks, neutralizing base catalyst and splitting soaps in the washing process, and/or in treating the crude glycerin by-product. Acids are colorless and can be extremely damaging to all body tissue. Acids cause rapid tissue destruction and serious chemical burns. Their vapors can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; shortness of breath; pulmonary edema; or other serious ailments. Workers should wear acid-resistant protective clothing and gloves, …

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Handling Strong Bases in Biodiesel Production

Sodium and Potassium Hydroxides/Methoxides

Used to catalyze the transesterification reaction, sodium and potassium hydroxide are extremely corrosive.

The hydroxides are dry flakes or pellets and must be dissolved in methanol, which produces “methoxides” concentrated in methanol. The dust from the hydroxides is an airway irritant and will burn unprotected skin and eyes, especially when handled manually. Dissolving the hydroxides in alcohol is an exothermic reaction and can generate a considerable amount of heat. Stirring the liquid in an open container …

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Introduction to Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

How much energy does it take to produce biodiesel, compared to the energy in the fuel itself? And what is the total environmental impact of biodiesel production? These questions can be answered using a technique called “life cycle analysis.”

Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a relatively recent tool, growing in popularity, that is used to estimate the environmental, energy, and economic performance of a product or a system. In essence, it is a budgeting process that accounts for all inputs …

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Biomass Feedstocks and Energy Independence

A large increase of biofuel production is necessary to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard set in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA). This article explores the feedstock portfolio required to do the job.
Switchgrass a source of biomass energy. Photo: Dennis Pennington, Bioenergy Educator, Michigan State University.

Contents

Energy Independence and Security Act

The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 was …

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Corn Cobs for Biofuel Production

Can corn cobs be a viable biofuel feedstock in the US? Learn about the use of cob and husk materials in cellulosic ethanol, co-firing, and gasification projects. New harvesting technologies reduce production costs and make the economics more attractive for this biofuel energy crop.

Corn cobs. Photo: Cole Gustafson, North Dakota State Univ.

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Introduction

Corn …

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Corn Stover for Biofuel Production

Can corn stover harvested for biofuel energy be sustainable? This article examines production, potential yields and challenges of harvesting corn stover while maintaining soil quality.

Corn stover bales.  Photo: F. John Hay, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

Contents

Introduction

Corn stover is one of the largest potential annual crop-based biofuel feedstocks for several key reasons: the quantity of …

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Feedstocks for Biogas

  Find videos on feedstocks at the Farm Energy Media archive.

  Find images of feedstocks at the Farm Energy Media archive.

Anaerobic digestion of manure and other feedstocks produces biogas which can be burner to make energy on farms. Learn how to evaluate a feedstock and which ones to exclude for biogas production.
Anaerobic Digester in Charlotte, VT.  Photo: Caragh Fitzgerald, University of Maine.

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Growing Hazelnuts for Biofuel Production

Want to know why the hazelnut or filbert and its hybrids have potential as as oil crop? This article provide information about production, yields and challenges of growing hazelnuts for biofuels.
September harvest of European hazelnuts in New Jersey. Photo: Thomas Molnar.

Contents

Introduction

Hazelnuts, also known as filberts (Corylus spp.), are a perennial tree crop …

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