Current USDA NIFA AFRI CAPs

USDA-NIFA (National Institute for Food and Agriculture) currently funds 7 bioenergy Coordinated Agricultural Projects (CAPs) through Agricultural and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Grants. 

AFRI CAPs 2015
AFRI CAP Biofuel Feedstocks and Project Locations

Explore the NIFA Bioenergy CAPs:


Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest (AHB)
Lead Institute:  University of Washington
Awarded:  2011
Feedstock:  Purpose grown woody crops (e.g. poplar)
Conversion platform target: Hybrid bio/thermochemical conversion
Industrial Partners: ZeaChem Inc.


Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA)
Lead Institute:  Washington State University
Awarded:  2011
Feedstock: Forestry residuals
Conversion

Size of ground biomass particles is significant logistically

by Oladiran Fasin

As part of preparing biomass for conversion into biofuels, biomass is ground through mills such as a hammer mill (Figure 1) or a knife mill. The ground biomass particles are then fed into conversion vessels and/or stored in hoppers that are often attached to storage vessels (Figure 2). Creating a steady flow of the biomass particles out of the hopper is a significant issue for processing and conversion. Often, biomass flow from storage containers will be disrupted …

Technological Processes: Thermochemical

Introduction

Woody biomass is converted into useful forms of energy (i.e. solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels) as well as useful products (e.g. polymers, bio-plastics, char, pellets, and acids) using a number of technological processes. Thermochemical processes depend on the relationship between heat and chemical action as a means of extracting and creating products and energy. This fact sheet briefly covers some of the more important thermochemical conversion and production processes used for obtaining bio-based energy and products from woody biomass.…