• Feedstocks Analysed at Celignis
    Hemp

Background on Hemp

Hemp is an annual crop that can be integrated with agricultural rotations. Historically it has been used for the production of fibre and paper. However, in recent years, there has been increasing interest with regards to using this crop for the production of cellulosic biofuels in biorefineries and for the generation of energy via combustion. The crop can reach a height of approximately 3 metres and it achieves this productivity without the requirement for large chemical/energy inputs.

Analysis of Hemp at Celignis



Celignis Analytical can determine the following properties of Hemp samples:



Lignocellulosic Properties of Hemp

Cellulose Content of Hemp

Hemp can have a high cellulose content. This is a principal reason why this feedstock is often used in fibre production.

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Hemicellulose Content of Hemp

Xylose is the major sugar, by mass, in hemp hemicelluloses.

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Lignin Content of Hemp

The lignin content of hemp will vary significantly according to the anotomical component of the plant that is being analysed.

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Starch Content of Hemp

The starch content of hemp varies between the different anatomical components of the plant. Typically it is highest in the leaves, where photosynthesis takes place, and lower in the stems. The starch content can also vary according to the maturity of the plant.

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Uronic Acid Content of Hemp

Uronic acids are present in the hemicelluloses in hemp and are typically more abundant in the early-stages of growth. Furthermore, the concentrations of uronic acids tends to be greatest in the nodes, lower in the internodes, and at intermediate levels in the leaves.

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Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Hemp

We can undertake tests involving the enzymatic hydrolysis of Hemp. In these experiments we can either use a commercial enzyme mix or you can supply your own enzymes. We also offer analysis packages that compare the enzymatic hydrolysis of a pre-treated sample with that of the native original material.

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Bioenergy Properties of Hemp

Ash Content of Hemp

The ash content of hemp will vary significantly according to the anotomical component of the plant that is being analysed.

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Heating (Calorific) Value of Hemp

The heating value of hemp will depend both on its chemical composition and on its moisture content.

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Ash Melting Behaviour of Hemp

Ash melting, also known as ash fusion and ash softening, can lead to slagging, fouling and corrosion in boilers which may reduce conversion efficiency. We can determine the ash melting behaviour of Hemp using our Carbolite CAF G5 BIO ash melting furnace. It can record the following temperatures:

Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (SST) - This occurs when the area of the test piece of Hemp ash falls below 95% of the original test piece area.

Ash Deformation Temperature (DT) - The temperature at which the first signs of rounding of the edges of the test piece occurs due to melting.

Ash Hemisphere Temperature (HT) - When the test piece of Hemp ash forms a hemisphere (i.e. the height becomes equal to half the base diameter).

Ash Flow Temperature (FT) - The temperature at which the Hemp ash is spread out over the supporting tile in a layer, the height of which is half of the test piece at the hemisphere temperature.



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Major and Minor Elements in Hemp

Examples of major elements that may be present in Hemp include potassium and sodium which are present in biomass ash in the forms of oxides. These can lead to fouling, ash deposition in the convective section of the boiler. Alkali chlorides can also lead to slagging, the fusion and sintering of ash particles which can lead to deposits on boiler tubes and walls.

We can also determine the levels of 13 different minor elements (such as arsenic, copper, and zinc) that may be present in Hemp.

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Analysis of Hemp for Anaerobic Digestion



Biomethane potential (BMP) of Hemp

There have been a number of studies concerning the use of industrial hemp as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion. These have shown the biochemical methane potential (BMP) to be around 200-250 litres per kg of volatile solids.

Studies that investigated the use of thermal and/or chemical pre-treatments to make the lignocellulosic matrix of hemp more amenable to anaerobic digestion have typically shown significantly increased BMP values as a result.

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Physical Properties of Hemp



Bulk Density of Hemp

At Celignis we can determine the bulk density of biomass samples, including Hemp, according to ISO standard 17828 (2015). This method requires the biomass to be in an appropriate form (chips or powder) for density determination.



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Particle Size of Hemp

There have been a number of studies concerning the use of industrial hemp as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion. These have shown the biochemical methane potential (BMP) to be around 200-250 litres per kg of volatile solids.

Studies that investigated the use of thermal and/or chemical pre-treatments to make the lignocellulosic matrix of hemp more amenable to anaerobic digestion have typically shown significantly increased BMP values as a result.

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Examples of Other Feedstocks Analysed at Celignis



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