Dry Grinding of Agricultural Residues: A New Industrial Enterprise

Report Introduction: Profitable applications for mechanically processed agricultural residues have been responsible for the establishment of processing enterprises with benefits to both agriculture and industry. The expense, nuisance, and hazards associated with the accumulation and disposal of these residues on farms, at elevators, and at grain- and food-processing plants have, in turn, been correspondingly reduced. Significant economies and improvements in agricultural and industrial methods have been realized through proper exploitation of the residues. It is estimated that well in excess of 600,000 tons of mechanically processed agricultural residues are now being used each year. Corncobs, rice hulls, and shells of nuts and fruit pits currently constitute the more important materials from the standpoint of mechanical processing. Straws, stalks, and flax shives, while receiving close attention as raw materials for paper and board manufacture because of their fibrous properties, have also received some minor attention as potential industrial raw materials through mechanical processing. More than 200 million tons of agricultural residues are produced each year in the United States. Of that quantity about 20 million tons are corncobs. However, only a portion of the cobs becomes available for mechanical processing because of location, problems of collection and transportation, farm uses, and similar factors. This is likewise true for other residues such as nut shells and fruit pits.