Southern Research Station

Title: Evaluation of moisture reduction in small diameter trees after crushing

Author: Sirois, Donald L.; Rawlins, Cynthia L.; Stokes, Bryce J.

Date: 1991

Source: Bioresource Technology. 37 (1991): 53-60.

Description: Past studies have suggested that processing small diameter whole trees like those foumd on rights-of-way (ROWs) would help reduce transportion costs and increase energy value by lowering stem moisture content. Small stems were crushed by a roller crusher/splitter test bench machine and allowed dry under field conditions in Alabama. Tests were conducted in winter and summer using softwoods and hardwoods. Crushing facilitated short term field drying during periods when rain was light or absent. Any benefits of crushing are realized within the first five week of drying; Under field conditions there is no guaninteed benefit associated with crushing trees to increase the rate of moisture loss over long drying periods or in times of heavy rainfall.

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Citation

Sirois, Donald L.; Rawlins, Cynthia L.; Stokes, Bryce J.  1991.  Evaluation of moisture reduction in small diameter trees after crushing.   Bioresource Technology. 37 (1991): 53-60.