Using renewable feedstocks for mill co-generation

Investigating renewable feedstock’s such as (Hibiscus Canabinues – Kenaf and Crotalaria Juncea – Sunn Hemp) for co-generation at Mackay Sugar Limited

Objectives:

• To establish if fibre crops (Kenaf and Sunn Hemp) are compatible to current co-gen feedstocks such as bagasse and coal, determine what efficiencies and gains can be produced by specifically replacing the coal feedstock with fibre crops.
• Identify and test product (Kenaf and Sunn hemp) presentation for transport, receivables and entry into Mill boiler, storage and harvest logistics
• Conduct combustion tests for both Kenaf and Sunn Hemp
• Determine the amount of product (Kenaf and Sunn Hemp) required to replace the coal feedstock at Mackay Sugar Limited
• Develop a pest management program that will allow for the propagation of Sunn Hemp and Kenaf seed for planting.
• Prepare a business case that will identify the transition of producing a re-newable feedstock for co-generation that will replace the coal feedstock, and that will take this concept into a commercial venture.

Project Activities:

The project will produce approximately 1000 tons of product (Kenaf and Sunn Hemp) to test as a feedstock to produce energy. 1000 tons of product will be required to understand how this product will flow through the current conveyor and chute system that feeds the boiler, this will operate the boiler for approximately 14 hours. Determining the heat exchange will be done at this stage, testing the ash residue after burning for corrosiveness will also be undertaken.

Investigate and test transport issues from paddock to factory. Transloading the fibre product from a field bin to a road transport vehicle will be investigated, the bulk density will also be determined at this stage which will provide payload and transport logistics.

Evaluate both product lines (Kenaf and Sunn Hemp) for producing energy, undertake combustion and ashing tests. This test will measure the KJ of energy produced when burning the fibre product.

Establish a business case that will determine the feasibility to replace the coal feedstock with Kenaf and Sunn Hemp. The business case will only be developed if the combustion tests indicate that the energy produced is in line with the research identified.

Develop a pest management strategy to produce Sunn Hemp and Kenaf planting seed

Contact Person: Joseph Muscat 0429377162