Moisture Effect on the Physical Characteristics of Switchgrass Pellets
2006
Colley, Z. | Fasina, O.O. | Bransby, D. | Lee, Y.Y.
Switchgrass was pelleted through a 4.76 mm (3/16 in.) diameter die. The physical characteristics of the pellets were measured. It was found that the bulk density, particle density, durability, and hardness of the pellets were significantly affected by moisture content. The maximum values of bulk density and particle densities were 708 and 1462 kg/m3, respectively. The force required to rupture the pellets varied from 32 N at 6.3% moisture content to 22 N at 17.4% moisture content. Durability of the pellets was also affected by moisture content and was maximum at 8.6% (wet basis) moisture content. The pellets absorbed moisture at rates that were significantly affected by air relative humidity (P < 0.05). The EMC-ERH data for the pellets were sigmoidal in shape and were best predicted by the modified Chung-Pfost equilibrium moisture equation.
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