This project will explore the fundamental link between biomass milling, classification and conveying to optimise biomass processing. The project will explore the fundamental science of milling fracture mechanics to develop a test for the critical particle size for comminution through compression for biomass particles. This test will be bench marked against the industry standard bond work index milling test and milling in a lab scale vertical spindle mill.

The fundamental science behind classification will be investigated to ascertain the impact of biomass particle size and shape on classification and linked back to milling fracture mechanics. A model will be developed which can predict if classification will be successful based on the milled product from the grinding bed. An existing rig which examines biomass conveying in pipes will be further developed to analyse a wide range of biomass particle flow conditions.

A novel biomass particle roping rig will be built to investigate roping and its link to biomass particle size and shape. Roping mitigation strategies will be developed, which will then be verified on a laboratory vertical spindle mill with pneumatic classification.

This would be a four-year project based in the new Resilient Decarbonised Fuel Energy Systems CDT based at The University of Nottingham and working alongside Net Zero Research partners.