The Influence of the Pressure-Thermal Agglomeration Methods of Corn Bran on Their Selected Physicochemical Properties and Biogas Efficiency

The article presents the research made on the effects of methods of pressure-thermal agglomeration of corn bran, as well as the influence of processing parameters on selected physicochemical properties and biogas efficiency. Corn bran moistened to four levels of moisture content was used for the tests: 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% of dry matter. The pressure-thermal treatment was carried out with the use of a Brikol SJ25 pellet maker and a TS-45 single-screw extruder. In the tests of the extrusion-cooking process, three rotational speeds of the extruder screw were applied: 70, 90 and 110 rpm. The following characteristics were examined: efficiency of the extrusion-cooking and pelleting process, as well as the energy consumption. The water absorption index (WAI), the water solubility index (WSI), bulk density, kinetic strength, structure analysis by the ART/FTIR method, energy potential and the efficiency of cumulated biogas and cumulated methane per dry mass, as well as fresh mass and fresh organic matter and a series of microscopic pictures were completed. The analysis of the ATR/FTIR infrared spectra of the tested pelleted and extruded samples showed clear changes at the molecular level. Biogas production of extruded corn bran increased by several percent, as compared to untreated material

Application of extrusion-cooking technique for foamed starch-based materials

Foamed materials are widely used, mainly as a protection objects during transport of various products. Traditionally foams are produced from plastics so they are very difficult for waste management. It is the challenge for many scientific centres to develop a technology for the production of bio-based materials which can be rapidly decomposed. The task for the researcher is to obtain a relatively cheap, easy to use and completely biodegradable materials. The aim of this work was the selection of the main raw materials, functional additives and process parameters to obtain the most effective parameters of extrusion-cooking process for foamed starch-based materials. Properties of the products and processing costs were taken into account. During the study, the extrusion-cooking process was performed under various conditions: temperature, humidity, type of the die, screw rotational speed, various raw materials and additives blends. The best results were obtained for mixtures based on potato starch and with addition the foaming agent Plastron foam PDE and poly(vinyl) alcohol PVA

Influence of Modification of the Plasticizing System on the Extrusion-Cooking Process and Selected Physicochemical Properties of Rapeseed and Buckwheat Straws

The article discusses the effect of modification of the plasticizing system of a single-screw extruder on selected physicochemical properties of rapeseed straw and buckwheat straw. A TS-45 single-screw extruder (ZMCh Metalchem, Gliwice, Poland) with an L/D = 12 plasticizing system was used for the process. The shredded straws were moistened to four moisture levels: 20, 25, 30 and 35% dry matter. Three different rotational speeds of the extruder screw were applied for the test cycle: 70, 90 and 110 rpm. The following characteristics were determined for the extrusion-cooking process: efficiency and specific mechanical energy. Selected physical properties were determined for the extrudates obtained in the process: water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), bulk density, and the efficiency of cumulative biogas and cumulative methane production expressed on dry mass, fresh mass, and fresh organic mass basis. It has been proved that the modification of the plasticizing system had a significant impact on the course of the process and the tested physicochemical properties. An important factor confirming the correctness of the modification is the increase in biogas efficiency. After modification, the highest yield of cumulative biogas from the fresh mass was 12.94% higher than in the sample processed before modification

Application of extrusion-cooking technique for foamed starch-based materials

Foamed materials are widely used, mainly as a protection objects during transport of various products. Traditionally foams are produced from plastics so they are very difficult for waste management. It is the challenge for many scientific centres to develop a technology for the production of bio-based materials which can be rapidly decomposed. The task for the researcher is to obtain a relatively cheap, easy to use and completely biodegradable materials. The aim of this work was the selection of the main raw materials, functional additives and process parameters to obtain the most effective parameters of extrusion-cooking process for foamed starch-based materials. Properties of the products and processing costs were taken into account. During the study, the extrusion-cooking process was performed under various conditions: temperature, humidity, type of the die, screw rotational speed, various raw materials and additives blends. The best results were obtained for mixtures based on potato starch and with addition the foaming agent Plastron foam PDE and poly(vinyl) alcohol PVA

Biogas plant on an industrial farm as an effective way of utilizing animal waste

Industrial farms pose a serious threat to both people and the environment. The reason is that animal waste are produced in large quantities, which is a source of biogenic substances. Their irrational use, which is often common on industrial farms due to the limited area for fertilization, can lead to the eutrophication of water tanks and soils, and even to contamination with heavy metals and disease-causing microorganisms and pathogens. The economy of animal feces is accompanied by greenhouse emission and odors, the resulting emissions of volatile compounds also lead to the formation of acid rain. In view of the above, the possibilities of their management, which will be safe for ecosystems, are being sought for. While aeration, composting or fertilization of animal manure does not fully solve environmental protection or profitability issues, their anaerobic treatment allows not only for safe utilization, but also for energy production. Thus, the possibility of managing animal waste from a poultry, cattle and pig farms in biogas plants was presented. The presented calculations have slown that using them as a substrate in the fermentation process allows for effective utilization of animal manure being hazardous to the environment, in particular in the case of industrial farms

Biogas plant on an industrial farm as an effective way of utilizing animal waste

Industrial farms pose a serious threat to both people and the environment. The reason is that animal waste are produced in large quantities, which is a source of biogenic substances. Their irrational use, which is often common on industrial farms due to the limited area for fertilization, can lead to the eutrophication of water tanks and soils, and even to contamination with heavy metals and disease-causing microorganisms and pathogens. The economy of animal feces is accompanied by greenhouse emission and odors, the resulting emissions of volatile compounds also lead to the formation of acid rain. In view of the above, the possibilities of their management, which will be safe for ecosystems, are being sought for. While aeration, composting or fertilization of animal manure does not fully solve environmental protection or profitability issues, their anaerobic treatment allows not only for safe utilization, but also for energy production. Thus, the possibility of managing animal waste from a poultry, cattle and pig farms in biogas plants was presented. The presented calculations have slown that using them as a substrate in the fermentation process allows for effective utilization of animal manure being hazardous to the environment, in particular in the case of industrial farms

Improvement of the photosynthetic activity of Moldavian dragonhead (

Application of biostimulants instigates many physiological processes that enhance nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, and quality traits of crops, regardless of their nutrient content. One of such preparations is Atonik which contains nitrophenol compounds naturally occurring in plant cells. Several studies have confirmed its beneficial effect on the growth, development, and improved metabolic activity of plants. Therefore, it seems advisable to investigate the effect of Atonik preparation on the photosynthetic activity of Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.). The reported study was carried out in 2014 in Perespa, Poland. Over the growing season, Atonik was foliar-applied at a dose of 0.3 L/ha (0.1%) and 0.6 L/ha (0.2%) by single and double spraying of plants. Chlorophyll content and nitrogen status (N) were estimated by a Chlorophyll Meter SPAD-502 Plus. The foliar application of Atonik was found to improve the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus and chlorophyll content in the leaves of Dracocephalum moldavica plants, but the results were dependent on biostimulant concentration and number of its applications, and on the date of measurement. To conclude, Atonik is an environmental-friendly preparation which has a positive impact on the metabolic processes of plants

Improvement of the photosynthetic activity of Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) through foliar application of a nitrophenolate–based biostimulant

Application of biostimulants instigates many physiological processes that enhance nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, and quality traits of crops, regardless of their nutrient content. One of such preparations is Atonik which contains nitrophenol compounds naturally occurring in plant cells. Several studies have confirmed its beneficial effect on the growth, development, and improved metabolic activity of plants. Therefore, it seems advisable to investigate the effect of Atonik preparation on the photosynthetic activity of Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.). The reported study was carried out in 2014 in Perespa, Poland. Over the growing season, Atonik was foliar-applied at a dose of 0.3 L/ha (0.1%) and 0.6 L/ha (0.2%) by single and double spraying of plants. Chlorophyll content and nitrogen status (N) were estimated by a Chlorophyll Meter SPAD-502 Plus. The foliar application of Atonik was found to improve the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus and chlorophyll content in the leaves of Dracocephalum moldavica plants, but the results were dependent on biostimulant concentration and number of its applications, and on the date of measurement. To conclude, Atonik is an environmental-friendly preparation which has a positive impact on the metabolic processes of plants

A STUDY OF THE SOLUBILITY OF BIODEGRADABLE FOAMS OF THERMOPLASTIC STARCH

The paper presents the results of a study on the water absorption capacity and solubility of biodegradable starch foams produced with single-screw extruder TS-45 with L/D=12. Two different moulding dies were used: one with a circular hole with the diameter of 3 mm and one with a ring hole with the inner diameter of 5 mm. During the extrusion process, the temperature of the cylinder ranged from 80 to 130°C and the screw speeds applied were: 100 and 130 rpm. For the application of the ring die, it was observed that regardless of the speed of the screw, the use of the raw material of higher moisture content led to the production of materials with higher solubility. As a result, the obtained materials revealed solubility at a level of 40%. The results demonstrate good solubility of the starchy fillers of the packaging, which may indicate their susceptibility to decomposition in the conditions of high ambient humidity. A statistical analysis showed a significant impact of moisture of the raw material on the WSI of starch foams used irrespective of the other parameters of the extrusion-cooking process. The raw material moisture had a significant effect on the water absorption capacity of only TPS foams produced in the ring die at the screw speed of 100 rpm

The influence of mixing inside the fermentation reactors during the study of biogas efficiency of the substrates in mesophilic technology

Along with the development of environmental friendly technologies, an increasing interest in generating the electricity and heat from renewable sources has been observed in Poland. Perfect example of such installations are agricultural biogas plants, where methane fermentation produces high-energy gas fuel i.e. biogas. Before investing, it is necessary to perform a detailed studies of the biogas efficiency of the substrates used. The proper run of fermentation process, as well as the high biogas production related to the operation, depend on many factors, including the mixing inside the reactor. The DIN 38 414-S8 standard, commonly used in the tests, assumes the mixing of the whole eudiometric sets, used in accredited laboratory units, which due to their uniform construction may cause problems. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of laboratory mixing in the fermentation reactor on the biogas efficiency of the maize straw. The experiment tests were performed in the Laboratory of Ecotechnologies, in the Poznan, in accordance with the current standard DIN 38 414-S8.The obtained research results confirmed the effect of mixing inside the fermentation reactors on the biogas efficiency of the maize straw