Fuel characteristics and properties of corn residues

Сorn residues have quite good fuel properties which are close to those of wood fuel. Due to that, biofuels made from corn residues can be burnt in the equipment intended for wood biomass.

• Ash content of corn stover is a major quality factor for further production of biofuels. The ash content depends on the type of harvesting technology as the amount of ash increases when biomass is contacting with soil. Typical total ash content for multiple passes of agricultural machines when harvesting is 8-10%.
• As regards ash melting behaviour, corn straw is close to wood biomass, which provides better conditions for combustion compared to straw of cereal crops.
• Corn straw contains less chlorine (0.2% d.m.) compared with fresh (“yellow”) straw of spiked cereal crops (0.75% d.m.). This is a positive factor for corn residues as fuel as chlorine compounds cause corrosion of steel elements of energy equipment.
• The elemental composition of corn straw is almost the same as that of straw of spiked cereal crops, so they have a comparable calorific value.
• The properties of straw strongly depend on the place of cultivation, harvesting time and weather, soil and fertilizers.
• The biggest effect on the calorific value of corn residues is produced by their moisture content

Prepared by: Semen Drahniev – Member of the Expert Council of the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine and Tetiana Zheliezna – Member of Auditing Committee for the platform of sustainable agribusiness SAF Ukraine.

Fuel characteristics and properties of corn residues. Semen Drahniev, Tetiana Zheliezna. The platform of sustainable agribusiness SAF Ukraine. September 18, 2019.

The Bioenergy Association of Ukraine since 2019 is a partner of the platform of sustainable agribusiness SAF Ukraine.