Preliminary Evaluation of New Process for Separation of Components of Sugar Cane, Sweet Sorghum, and Other Plant Stalks Relative to Its Possible Contribution Toward Increased Fuel and Energy Production from These Materials

摘要

A preliminary study, involving the evaluation of a new revolutionary process for preparation of sugar cane and separation of its components is presented. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether this cane separation process, and the equipment involved therein, had substantial merit for greater utilization of biomass for production of fuel and energy and specifically the ''Fuels from Sugar Crops'' program, including sugar cane, sweet sorghum, and other plant stalks. The report describes the historical background of the development of this process from 1964 to the present time; potential advantages of the process to the sugar industry and to the DOE Program on ''Fuels from Sugar Crops''; the technical status of the process at the present time; marketing and research efforts now underway; and an evaluation of the prospects of success in perfecting the process and of its being economically sound. Comments are included on the physical structure of the sugar cane stalk and its components which render this process particularly applicable to this plant and related plants. Comments are also given on present sugar cane processing methods and the quality of the bagasse residue resulting from these methods as compared to the quality of the three solid components; namely, pith, rind fiber, and epidermis which result from the cane separation process. Specific recommendations are given for both short-term action and long-term actions relative to further studies to determine the full potential for this process and its possible contribution to the success of the DOE ''Fuels from Sugar Crops'' program. (ERA citation 04:022061)