Chunkwood/ Production, Characterization, and Utilization

1991

104 S.

zahlr. Abb., Tab., Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

42070

Chunkwood has only recently been introduced as an alternative form of comminuted wood. Parallel to commercial use of chunkwood, whether it be in the energy or flakeboard industry, techniques and equipment to classify chunkwood must be developed. Conventional pulp chip classifiers are inadequate because of the differences in particle size between chunks and chips. Three distinctly different classifiers were tested for performance and to gain an understanding of how screens with round, square, or elongated openings discern between chunks having different particle geometry. Preliminary recommendations are made for a rotary laboratory classifier having interchangeable sets of screens with square, round, and elongated openings. Chunkwood particles may be too large for a particular application, and conventional pulp-size chips may be too small. Through the use of three experimental techniques, it was demonstrated that chunkwood can be reduced into a more homogeneous mix of intermediate-size particles that could enhance utilization. The results from the chunkwood reduction trials are presented. The bulk density of chunkwood produced from several North American tree species ranged from 20 to 24 pounds per cubic foot. Natural angle of repose for red maple was about 43 degrees.