Research needs on biomass characterization to prevent handling problems and hazards in industry
ABSTRACTBiomass comes from different sources and can be used for different purposes, for electricity generation, for transport fuels, for heating, as well as for the manufacturing of bio-based products. Nowadays, the European framework for energy calls for the use of biomass in electricity, heat, and transport (fuels), to reach 20% of all energy use from renewable sources by 2020. Therefore, the use of biomass should roughly have to double. If this is the case, large amounts of biomass will be mobilized and handling problems are expected to grow aligned with the increased use of biomass. Biomass is characterized because it does not flow well, packs easily, it can knit together, it is very dusty, and it is prone to self-heating and self-ignition, among others. If more research is not conducted on the characterization of the behavioral properties of biomasses, the sustainability of supply chains could be then severely affected.