th 19th, 2020 CIC Engineering, Winnipeg - Canada Bio Design · 2020. 4. 2. · Meeting Minutes Page...

Biomass Quality Network Canada

Workshop 1: Sustainability and Agricultural Biomass

Meeting Minutes and Presentations

February 18th – 19th, 2020

CIC Engineering, Winnipeg

Meeting Minutes

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BQNC Workshop 1: Sustainability and Agricultural Biomass Minutes Rev 1.0 28 Feb 2020

MEETING TITLE: The Biomass Quality Network Canada (BQNC) Workshop 1: Sustainability and Agricultural Biomass

LOCATION: CIC Engineering, Winnipeg, MB

DATES: February 18 -19, 2020

ATTENDEES SECTOR

Aaron Barr Canadian Rockies Hemp Corp. BM

Anahita Jami CSA Group SC

Andrea Dyck CIC Engineering BM

Ataullah Khan Mohammed InnoTech Alberta BE

Byron James Alberta Innovates Technology Futures BM

Chuck Dentelbeck Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board

Donald Smith BioFuel Net Canada SC/BR

Jennifer Logan CIC Engineering BM

Jeff Kraynyk Manitoba Agriculture SC

Lorne Grieger PAMI BE

Michael Chae University of Alberta BM

Murray Grant MasterKey Business Solutions BM

Murray McLaughlin McLaughlin Consulting SC/BR

Rob Nicol Lambton College BR

Sean McKay Honger Innovations BM

Stu Porter Biofuels Consulting Canada BR

Thierry Ghislain Université de Sherbrooke BR

CALL-IN ATTENDEES

Alvin Ulrich Biolin Research BM

Denis Rho National Research Council BM

Donna Fleury Alberta Agriculture and Forestry BR

France Brunelle Ministére de l`Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l`Alimentation du Québec

SC

Jianbo Lu Alberta Agriculture and Forestry BM

Mahendra Thimmanagari Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs BM

Victor Cheng Alberta Agriculture and Forestry BE

SC: Steering Committee BR: Biorefining BE: Bioenergy BM: Biomaterials

Meeting Minutes

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AGENDA:

February 18, 2020 Day 1

12:00pm to 1:00pm Registration – lunch provided

1:00pm to 1:10pm Welcome and Introductions – Jennifer Logan, Project Manager

1:10pm to 1:30pm Project Overview, Goals and Objectives – Jennifer Logan

1:30pm to 2:15pm Structural Lumber Industry, Standard Practices – Chuck Dentelbeck, President and CEO Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board (CLSAB)

2:15pm to 2:45pm Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance – Hemp Fibre Quality Standards Committee Update – Aaron Barr, CEO Canadian Rockies Hemp Corporation

2:45pm to 3:00pm BREAK

3:00pm to 3:45pm Sustainability Plan for BQNC – Murray Grant, President MasterKey and Sean McKay, President Honger Innovations

3:45pm to 4:15pm Catalyzing Expansion of Canada’s Bioeconomy – Don Smith, Director and CEO Biofuel Net Canada

4:15pm to 4:30pm First day wrap up – Jennifer Logan

February 19, 2020 Day 2

8:30am to 8:45am Opening Remarks – Jennifer Logan

8:45am to 9:15am Biorefining Update - Stu Porter, Biofuels Consulting Canada - Thierry Ghislain, Université de Sherbrooke - Jennifer Logan (on behalf of Ray Bergstra, MTN Consulting)

9:15am to 9:45am Bioenergy Update - Ataullah Mohammed, InnoTech Alberta

9:45am to 10:00am BREAK

10:00am to 10:45am Biomaterials Update - Alvin Ulrich, Biolin Research - Andrea Dyck, CIC Engineering

10:45am to 11:30am Discussion – Sustainability Plan – All

11:30am to 11:45am Next Steps, Looking forward to Year 2, Jennifer Logan

11:45am to 12:00pm Workshop Wrap Up – Jennifer Logan

12:00pm to 1:00pm Lunch – Network and departure

Meeting Minutes

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MEETING MINUTES:

Day 1:

1. Welcome and Introductions

Jennifer Logan opened the workshop at 1:00 pm with an introduction of all attendees. Jen provided an overview of the workshop schedule and objectives. The purpose of Day 1 is to begin exploring the development of a sustainability model that ensures the success and longevity of the BQNC and the three sub-committees (biorefining, bioenergy, and biomaterials) beyond the current initiative ending March 31, 2023. Day 2 will provide an update on the various BQNC project activities and include time for discussion and planning.

2. Project Overview, Goals and Objectives

Jen provided a brief overview of the second phase of the project. The project will focus on how quality standards and measurement techniques can be used to facilitate the commercialization of bioproducts, how to communicate these findings to stakeholders and how to bridge gaps in the supply chain. The project deliverables were stated and are discussed further in the technical presentations sections. One of the deliverables of the project is a sustainability model which is to be provided to AAFC by March 31, 2021. This model will be developed for discussion with industry forums and different sources of funding will be identified. CIC has contracted MasterKey Solutions, who in turn has contracted Honger Innovations to assist with the project. MasterKey provided a proposal for phase 0 of the project and the deliverables are stated in the attached presentation. Phase 0 of the project is short and will help better define what subsequent phases look like in detail. Jen provided an example of how BQNC can aid in the adoption of bioproducts. The example considered a simple manufacturing process and looked at how agricultural biomass can be integrated as a manufacturing input for existing products.

3. Structural Lumber Industry and Standard Practices

Chuck Dentelbeck, CEO of the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board (CLSAB), provided an overview on how the lumber industry ensures quality to product manufacturers and end users. The presentation focused on how quality assurance in the lumber industry is structured and how standards affect the industry. The CLSAB has four objectives:

1. Control the identification and certification of lumber used in and exported from Canada, or manufactured in accordance with Canadian approved standards.

2. Provide a medium for the accreditation and supervision of grading agencies. 3. To review, advise upon and approve or disapprove of grading rules or other standards.

Meeting Minutes

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4. Facilitate acceptance of the Canadian lumber grading system in foreign markets. CLSAB is a no-share, non-profit organization and is funded by the accreditation agencies they represent. Accreditation agencies are limited in power. They can appoint the board and appoint representatives and they are involved in budget development but do not approve it. Three mechanisms drive quality of Canadian Lumber:

1. Grading oversight: National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA) writes grading rules and develops and monitors engineering design values for structural lumber grades.

- CLSAB works with NLGA to monitor 11 accredited agencies. The agencies are required to monitor their registered lumber manufacturing facilities.

2. Technical support: Canadian Wood Council (CWC) and FPInnovations (FPI) provide support for the development and maintenance of lumber design values for structural grades.

3. Regulatory framework: Organizations such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) develop lumber related standards and engineering design standards for wood. The National Research Council (NRC) develops the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC).

- CSA-086 requires lumber to be graded in accordance with NLGA rules and identified with a grade stamp from an association or independent grading agency in accordance with CSA-0141.

CLSAB has identified species groups that are commonly grown, harvested, manufactured and marketed together. Design values are specific to these groupings and from this, lumber is given the appropriate grade stamp. Trees are graded before they go to the mill and at subsequent stages of processing. System control is maintained through structure. CLSAB has accreditation agreements with accredited agencies which monitor and audit their registered facilities. The accredited agencies perform a minimum of 12 audits/year on a monthly basis at their accredited facilities. CLSAB performs two unannounced audits of the facilities each year. CLSAB does not have individual contracts with each accredited facility. They maintain control by putting the accredited agencies fully responsible for their accredited facilities. If an accredited facility is not compliant, it puts the whole accredited agency at risk. The discussion focused on the importance of standards and regulation in driving the industry forward. The customers need to know that the products they are buying meet specifications. Chuck made note that the current program is the result of decades of coordination and effort.

4. Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA) – Hemp Fibre Quality Standards Committee Update

Aaron Barr, CEO of Canadian Rockies Hemp Corp. (CRHC) and Chair of the CHTA Fibre Standards Sub-Committee provided an update on hemp fibre standards. The goal of the CHTA committee is to develop hemp fibre standards and specifications that reflect the minimum physical performance, safety, health and quantifiable esthetic criteria for hemp fibre products and the associated protocols to meet those standards.

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Highlights - Hemp fibre and hurd are currently agricultural waste products – both can be processed

into bioproducts however, logistics and lack of standards remain barriers to commercialization.

- Agronomic practices in the field should be adjusted for the end product you are trying to produce, parameters to be adjusted include: seed variety, seeding density, harvest date, harvest method, level of retting, etc.

- Despite producing more hemp products, Europe does not have overall hemp standards in place.

- Hemp production has increased in Canada; however technologies to process hemp have not and are a limiting factor in its utilization.

- Processing of hemp fibre can be done chemically, biologically or mechanically; different methods produce different fibre. Currently, only a few facilities exist in North America to process hemp.

- CRHC is building a large hemp fibre processing facility in Bruderheim, AB. The facility will have four different processing lines and three different processing methods with equipment being sourced from companies worldwide.

- Continued development will focus on improving cultivation and processing parameters to facilitate commercialization of bioproducts.

- There is a need for multiple grading steps. Hemp comes off the field as one grade and is another grade after processing.

- Work is being completed to overcoming barriers in regards to harvesting equipment. Adaptations to common farming equipment are desired to maintain the quality of the hemp during harvest without high upfront costs.

- CHTA Hemp Fibre Quality Standards Committee had first meeting in February.

5. Sustainability Plan for BQNC

Sean MacKay, President of Honger Industries presented an update on the sustainability plan for the BQNC. Murray Grant, President of MasterKey Solutions and Sean are collaborating on this effort. The final deliverable is a sustainability plan for the BQNC, to be completed in early fall 2020.

- Initial focus will be to identify the value proposition pertaining to each biomass sector. - Potential opportunities exist to partner with precision agriculture companies and

equipment manufacturers, to expand test procedures into other markets and to incorporate biomass supply initiatives.

- Next step in the sustainability plan is to interview BQNC and Industrial Bioproducts Value Chain Committee (IBVCC) members for feedback. There will also be a review of value propositions, organizational structures and revenue streams from similar types of organizations.

- At the end of the presentation Sean led a brief question period. Highlights included: o The need to define the term sustainability – whether that pertains to the BQNC

itself or the plan to create sustainable bioindustries. Development of sustainability criteria and defining a common discourse is required.

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o There is a need to define the future identity of the BQNC, its value proposition and where it fits into the sustainability plan. Would the BQNC become a legal entity in the future?

o Should the BQNC pursue standards related to agronomic practices? o Should the BQNC try and integrate into existing value chains or create new

ones? The majority of attendees felt that the best sustainability approach would be a combination of both technology driven and application driven growth – consensus was “build it and they will come” is not sustainable.

o There is a need to define the end user in order to take an application driven approach.

o It was noted that apart from guest speakers no potential industry partners were in attendance. A need to see industry investment in BQNC activities was expressed.

o Recognizing how quality assurance in the lumber industry was driven by end users and came to be supported by the mills. How can we build out a similar structure? What standards would be needed?

o Members recognized that the biomaterials, bioenergy and biorefining sectors would likely need different approaches. Success of the biorefining and bioenergy industries is likely to be more heavily reliant on policy and standards to achieve sustainability.

6. Catalyzing Expansion of Canada’s Bioeconomy

Don Smith Director and CEO of BioFuel Net Canada and the lead of the Biomass Canada Cluster (BCC) presented an update on the BCC’s activities. He provided expertise on how to use biological resources to create products, processes and services across economic sectors within a sustainable economic framework. Development of a Canadian bioeconomy can help address challenges associated with employment and industrial activity in the nation’s resource dependent communities.

- The Biomass Canada Cluster was developed by BioFuel Net with the goal of improving technologies and market opportunities for biomass, bioenergy and high-value bioproducts.

- Integrating bioproducts into the Canadian economy will improve agricultural incomes, add value to agricultural wastes and improve agriculture’s sustainability.

- Current barriers and solutions fit into four categories: market, technical, investment and public opinion. Larger barriers are the result of the lack of information surrounding biomass. Both buyers and sellers are unsure of the quality of the biomass and no systems are currently in place to assist them.

- Solutions will need to include public policy to support sustainability and biomass use, grading standards for biomass and investment to develop a lower-risk supply chain that fosters industry participation.

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Day 2:

1. Biorefining Update

Stu Porter, Biofuels Consulting Canada

- Project is developing an NIR calibration to characterize biomass samples. - Task 1 of the project is to build a multivariate calibration model based on NIR spectra of

biomass samples from the NREL mixed model calibration set that was previously collected using the Lambton College NIR/UV analyzer.

o The BQNC holds a licence for a NIR calibration model set developed by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). The model is available to BQNC members, but BQNC cannot sell or distribute the model outside of members.

- Task 2 has NREL collecting spectra on the same biomass samples from the mixed model calibration set with a Texas Instruments handheld NIR spectrometer (purchased by the BQNC). A calibration model will be developed for the handheld NIR spectrometers. The model will predict five analytes (glucan, xylan, lignin, ash, extractives) using the partial least squares algorithm.

- In Task 3, NREL researchers will predict the composition of 10 biomass samples (provided by the BQNC) using the model/spectra from NREL, Lambton College and Texas Instruments handheld spectrometer. Results will be compared.

- Task 4 is to perform wet chemistry on the 10 samples used in Task 3 to measure total water extractives, ethanol extractives, carbohydrate (glucan, xylan, galactan, arabinan), acetate, protein, lignin (both acid soluble and acid-insoluble) and ash. This will confirm the robustness of results in Task 3.

- In partnership with Université de Sherbrooke, NREL will assist in the collection of hyperspectral images of the mixed model calibration set on the NIR Camera purchased by Sherbrooke.

- Start of Tasks 1 and 2 have been delayed due to changes in the paperwork requirements by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for NREL’s international clients.

- Current work will focus on soliciting the 10 biomass samples from the BQNC network.

Thierry Ghislain, Université de Sherbrooke - 2nd generation biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass (forestry and agricultural residues)

can be used to meet biofuel requirements. A large volume and variety of these 2nd gen biomasses are available however variability in species composition is an issue.

- Economic value of a biomass shipment is determined by composition – higher cellulose content is suitable for bioethanol production whereas more lignin is better for solid biofuels or biocommodities.

- Typical composition analysis takes a long time (~8 days) and Near Infrared Spectrometry (NIRS) are effective but restricted to laboratory analysis.

- Université de Sherbrooke is working on developing a mobile lab to determine the composition of 2nd gen biomasses. This will allow for high levels of analytical chemistry to be completed quickly and at the biomass field. There is a focus on developing process analytical technologies (PAT). The mobile lab will have the following capabilities: chipping, grinding, conveying, NIR cameras reading and data analysis.

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- The biomaterials group is focused on characterizing bast fibres (hemp/flax) and there is interest to see how this technology can be applied to assist with grading of material for this sector.

Ray Bergstra, MTN Consulting

- Jen (on behalf of Ray Bergstra) presented an update on the standards for traceability and sampling of agricultural biomass.

- Deliverables include a standard method for agricultural biomass sampling and a traceability model. This will help biorefineries maintain optimized operational parameters based on standardized feedstock characteristics. The traceability model should demonstrate traceability for the entire supply chain to meet anticipated customer requirements.

- Work during this phase of the project has focused on reviewing existing biomass bale sampling procedures and traceability models and a preliminary assessment of best practices. A summary report is due March 2020.

- Year 2 will focus on completing an initial round robin of biomass quality testing using samples obtained from a range of sampling methods. Key industry stakeholders will be identified to provide feedback on traceability models.

2. Bioenergy Update

Ataullah Khan Mohammed, InnoTech Alberta

- The objective of the Bioenergy Sub-Committee is to bridge the gap between biomass and traditional fossil fuels for bioheat by investigating the supply chain, the fuel quality and the equipment, with a focus on central/western Canada.

- Preliminary assessment of available biomass suggests biomass fuels are available. - The Committee has looked into feedstock mapping of these provinces.

o It was noted that the volumes of biomass quantities by province did not appear to be accurate as the biomass quantities for SK were suspected to be similar to those for AB. It was believed that this was due to the discrepancy in the quality of data being collected by each province and the differences in the feedstock mapping processes.

- Average fuel property values for Canadian Cereal Crops when compared to the ISO 17225 Solid Biofuels Standard show that only some crops meet all the criteria of the current ISO standard.

- Assessing the quality of data is difficult. The absence of a traceability mechanism means that sources of cross-contamination and source of storage conditions of biomass cannot be determined.

- Greening of natural gas grid is the highest value proposition. Bioenergy development will follow upcoming GHG emissions regulations.

- Clean fuel standards became law in 2019 through the CSA Group and AB has carbon offset and emission performance credits for cogeneration. Low energy commodity pricing and high feedstock and transportation costs remain barriers for agricultural biomass.

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- Regulations are being proposed in early 2020 and mid-2021 to regulate liquid and solid and gaseous fuel classes of the Clean Fuel Standard. Regulations are expected to come into force on January 1st of 2022 and 2023 respectively.

- Next steps are to expand the fuel assessment database across Canada to include new fuel data and other biomass samples. There is also a need to implement some fuel quality measures and control for producers via a traceability mechanism.

3. Biomaterials Update

Alvin Ulrich, Biolin Research

- Properties that affect straw value are: moisture content, presence of mould/rot, foreign matter, length/brokenness, colour, and fibre content.

- Moisture has a large influence on harvesting, processing and storing biomass effectively. Alvin is working to developing methods and protocols that try to optimize accuracy and reliability of moisture content while maintaining cost effectiveness.

- Over 1000 bales at sites in SK, AB and ON were tested using bale probes. Statistical methods were used to determine how to sample agricultural bales and how many samples to take.

- Organoleptic testing should be used as a compliment to other methods to eliminate unique events, i.e. prevent sampling of clearly mouldy wet bales. Organoleptic testing can be used to find clues on which bales do not have the desired characteristics.

Andrea Dyck, CIC Engineering

- Andrea Dyck presented the work on colour analysis. Phase II of the project centered on optimizing a prototype app that analyzes a photo and returns the LAB colour values. Work is being completed to provide the user with an indication of retting level based on LAB values. The current prototype is only available for iPhone. The Android version begins development in March.

- Using a dataset of hemp samples with known spectroscopy values and some organoleptic data points, the app is able to produce comparable LAB values to those obtained from spectroscopy. CIC has had some success relating the app’s LAB values to the level of retting. More data is required to validate results.

- It was noted that there was currently no industry feedback on this device and this was highlighted as a potential place to bring industry and users into the conversation.

- CIC has been working to adapt a Cotton Bundle Strength Standard (ASTM D1445) to suit bast fibre. This would provide processors with an inexpensive and mobile piece of equipment to determine fibre strength on-site with a quick and simple test.

- Current focus is to refine methodology to develop a process that provides accurate and repeatable results.

- CIC has spent time looking into determination of length. Current methods are either time consuming or require expensive equipment. If there is information on the successful determination of length that anyone could share, it would be appreciated.

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4. Discussion – Sustainability Plan

Jen led a discussion on the approach the BQNC wanted to take in regards to the sustainability plan. The points of discussion included:

1. The value proposition of the BQNC 2. Industry outlook – potential products and applications 3. Sustainability – what does this mean?

The value proposition of the BQNC is to serve as a driver for the biomass economy by helping facilitate grading and testing of biomass. Sustainability of the BQNC requires industry partnerships to facilitate sustainable market driven product development and reduce the Network’s dependence on government funding by developing revenue streams. Similar to the CLSAB, it was suggested that the BQNC could potentially become established as a stand-alone legal entity in the future. Sector to sector opportunities vary, and the general consensus was that different sectors within the BQNC would require different approaches to sustainability. It was expressed that there was a need to define terms surrounding the sustainability plan, namely adopt a formal definition for the term sustainability as it pertains to BQNC and outline sustainability criteria to be followed by each sector. Throughout the discussion it was determined that both a biolabelling process and a Canada wide biomass mapping effort are required to increase the market for biomass for industrial applications. This would also provide investors with confidence of a reliable source of biomass. At the same time, traceability mechanisms must not be burdensome for farmers and processors. We do need to work with government to get a national policy in place related to biomass quantity and quality. As a new industry BQNC, should have representation in meetings where relevant policies are being discussed. At the end of the discussion it was decided that the BQNC should remain focused on developing standards and test methods for determining the quality and quantity of biomass. Shorter term approaches should be focused on developing methods and guidelines that will be used to prepare standards. The CSA has the capability to take methods and guidelines as seed documents to create future standards. This could be applied to the testing methods currently in development.

1. Workshop Wrap-Up

Jen provided a summary of the workshop, indicating that all deliverables required from the workshop were achieved. The CIC will prepare minutes describing the discussions and results of the workshop; these will be circulated for review. Additionally, CIC will take the necessary steps to create a LinkedIn page for the BQNC and investigate other avenues to market the BQNC to potential partners.

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It is important to continue having good communications moving forward. Annual workshops are a good way to bring everyone together for face-to-face discussions and monthly teleconferences between Sub-Committees would be an effective method to keep everyone engaged between workshops. A directory of BQNC members is available on the BQNC webpage. GENERAL ACTIONS:

CIC to draft preliminary meeting minutes and circulate to all BQNC members.

CIC will create a LinkedIn profile for the BQNC

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Biomass Quality Network Canada


February 18th -19th, 2020

Agenda

February 18, 2020

1:00pm – 1:10pm Welcome and Introductions Jennifer Logan , CIC Engineering

1:10pm – 1:30pm Project Overview, Goals and Objectives

Jen, CIC Engineering

1:30pm – 2:15pm Structural Lumber Industry – Standard Practices

Chuck Dentelbeck, President and CEO Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board

2:15pm – 2:45pm Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance – Hemp Fibre Quality Standards Committee Update

Aaron Barr, CEO Canadian Rockies Hemp Corp.

2:45pm – 3:00pm BREAK

3:00pm – 3:45pm Sustainability Plan for BQNC Sean McKay, President Honger Innovations

3:45pm – 4:15pm Catalyzing Expansion of Canada’s Bioeconomy

Don Smith, Director and CEO BioFuelNet Canada

4:15pm – 4:30pm Wrap-up Jen, CIC Engineering

Welcome and Introductions BQNC Overview and Objectives

Problem:

• Emerging bioproducts based on agricultural biomass are slow to be adopted in the marketplace

• What is needed to facilitate commercialization of bioproducts?

The AAFC Industrial Bioproducts Value Chain Committee outlined:

Quality standards and measurement techniques

BQNC Overview

• Phase 1 of project wrapped up March 2018

• Proposal for Phase 2 of the project was submitted June 2018

– Project was accepted March 2019

– CA Negotiations April-August 2019

– Project Kick-off – September 2019

And here we are!

BQNC Overview

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• Advancing the development of quality standards and measurement methods in the 4 sectors

• Disseminating the knowledge found to stakeholders

• Bridge gaps throughout the supply chain

BQNC Objectives

• Bioenergy

– Document assessing the properties of Canadian biomass against existing standards

– Database on the suitability of Canadian agricultural residues as fuel for energy applications

– CSA Plenary meetings

– 2nd edition ANSI/CSA B149.6 code for digester gas, landfill gas and biogas generation

BQNC Deliverables

• Biomaterials

– In-field colour assessment using a mobile device

– Rapid assessment of biofibre cleanliness

– Determination of length of long bast fibres

– Fibre bundle strength using a Pressley Tester

– Mould assessment using NIR spectroscopy

– Foreign crop assessment within bales

– Moisture content in bales

– Biomass properties guidelines

– Organoleptic assessment of biomass

BQNC Deliverables

• Biorefining

– Sampling method and guideline for agricultural biomass

– Traceability of agricultural biomass bales

– Rapid determination of chemical constituents

– Quantification of sugar and cellulose content with a processing line, including a small scale demonstrator

• Education and Awareness

– Education materials and presentations developed for training sessions

– Communication materials development

– BQNC website translated into French

BQNC Deliverables

• Sustainability model

“Sustainability models of the BQNC will be developed for discussion with industry forums, including the Industrial Bioproducts Value Chain Roundtable. Different sources of funding will be identified as well as approaches to standards development, storage and maintenance practices”

Due: March 31, 2021

BQNC Deliverables

BQNC Sustainability Model

What does this mean?

What can this look like?

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• It was determined that assistance would be required to complete the deliverables within the timeframes outlined by AAFC

• Discussions were had with MasterKey

– CIC has worked with MasterKey in the past; due to the short timeframe, this assured us deliverables and budgets deadlines could be met

• Proposal for Phase 0 was submitted and accepted

• MasterKey has contracted Honger Innovations to assist with the project

• Bi-weekly meetings began in late January

What have we done?

• Deliverables

– Value map of the agricultural biomass sectors

– Detailed project plan for producing a sustainable business plan

– An interim report

• The findings from this phase will help to define what the next phase/phases look like

Sustainability Model – Phase 0

Sustainability and Ag Biomass

Early Ideas



Questions?

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1 strictly private & confidential

Industrial Hemp Aaron Barr, CEO

Canadian Rockies Hemp Corp.

Fibre Standards Sub-Committee - Chair


ABOUT US

Canadian Rockies Hemp Corp. (CRHC) is an innovative agribusiness specializing in hemp

processing strategically located in Bruderheim, AB. aiming to be North America's first true

hemp biorefinery

Focussed on the missing link between farmers and manufacturers - aiming to integrate hemp as a broad-acre rotational crop - processing biomass for commodity-based industries in

Canada and globally

To move the hemp industry forward, generating REAL data from field to processing

is key for setting standards

CHTA Fibre Standards Sub-Committee – Develop hemp fibre standards and

specifications that reflect the minimum physical performance, safety, health and

quantifiable esthetic criteria for hemp fibre products and protocols that assist in meeting

identified standards


INCREASING DEMAND FOR INDUSTRIAL

HEMP PRODUCTS

The need for plant based, sustainable products is a global issue with demand steadily increasing.

HEMP FIBRE

• Can replace many plastics, and petroleum/synthetic fibres – push for biodegradable products

• High performance composites • Natural fibre replacements in

textiles, automotive, and building products

• Tree pulp and paper replacements

HEMP HURD

Can be used in numerous markets including: • Hempcrete, building

materials, paneling, 3D printing, spill absorption, biofuels, activated carbon and animal bedding.


THE NOW AND FUTURE OF

HEMP

Old and new products are constantly in development! In order to progress the industry further, specifics and

standards are needed


LICENCED ACRES IN CANADA

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

160000

2003 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 2018 2019(Est)


GLOBAL HEMP CULTIVATION

9,667 10,321 30,868

50,179 15,367 8,053 13,843

31,273 47,619 56,823 64,940

108,502 84,661 76,332

138,015

77,928 44,765 36,729

35,928

34,579

29,897 26,116

37,967 27,130

20,541 35,241

40,038

47,423 63,319 82,221

115,323

116,137

9,770

25,713

78,176

27,200 28,700 14,500

18,300

45,200 45,500

38,800 40,300

42,000

43,700 40,500

44,000 47,200

45,200

66,700 47,700

84,688 87,408 87,453

86,159 85,856

89,299 89,074 85,321

84,601

87,723 87,393

89,185 88,733

91,550

91,000

91,000

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000

450,000

500,000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Canada Europe USA China Other

Acres

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.

FIELD TO PRODUCT

Fibre output type starts in the field

What fibre are you trying to produce?

Seed Variety, Seeding Density, Environmental

Conditions, Harvest Date, Harvest Method, Retting


ASSESSING EXISTING GLOBAL

MARKETS

SETTING SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR HEMP:

STRAW


FIBRE STANDARDS

SETTING SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR

HEMP:

BAST FIBRE

HURD FIBRE


THE MISSING LINK

No shortage of Hemp in Canada – but VERY LIMITED fibre processing


Decorticating hemp fibre has been done for centuries around the world, which is the

process of separating the bast fibre and the woody inner core (hurd/shive) from the stalk

Decortication can be done biologically, chemically, or mechanically, but most

methods produce a different fibre

DECORTICATION

Only a few facilities in North America – including government built/ran facility in Vegreville, AB. and smaller facilities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.


GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES

Integrating Pulp and Paper / Cotton / Flax

/ Jute / Kenaf Technology

After years of researching farming practices and

existing hemp processing facilities, CRHC has

purchased and developed several types of

decortication technologies in order to have one of

the largest manufacturing capacities with the

ability to spec different hemp fibres and hurd.

CRHC’s Bruderheim plant will produce a

commodity-sized supply of raw materials for use

in many products and industries.

A mix of equipment from France, Belgium,

Germany, Netherlands, U.K., and China with

some innovative Canadian technologies.

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CRHC’s BRUDERHEIM

FACILITY

• 75 acres

• Direct Hwy Access

• CP and CN Rail Access

• Over 60,000 sq.ft of processing

and indoor storage

• 4 (3 different) decortication lines

processing up to 50,000 acres per

year

Capacity Yearly Outputs*: Fibre:

50,000 t

Hurd:

120,000 t

*estimated 14 strictly private & confidential

CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT

•PROCESSING

•Increased through-put

•Increased purities

•Increased controllability

CULTIVATION

•Decreased input cost

•Decreased operating cost

•Increased production

Increased manufacturer integration

and more consumer products


THANK YOU!

Happy Growing!

2020-03-02

1


Biomass Quality Network Canada (BQNC)

Sustainability Plan

Sean McKay Honger Innovations

Murray Grant MasterKey Business Solutions

18 February 2020

Deliverable: • A self-sustainability plan for BQNC is developed and submitted to the AgriAssurance

Quality Network Canada Program Administration prior to March 31, 2021

Work Plan Activity: • Sustainability models of the BQNC will be developed for discussion with industry

forums, including the Industrial Bioproducts Value Chain Roundtable • Different sources of funding will be identified as well as approaches to standards

development, storage and maintenance practices

MasterKey Phase 0 Plan: • Gain an understanding of BQNC’s key stakeholders, status and value proposition

related to each of the biomass sectors and business models of similar type organizations

• Prepare a combined value map, strategic approach and a detailed plan to produce a long-term sustainable business model; results will be documented in an interim report (31 March 2020)

BQNC Sustainability Plan

• Initial focus on value proposition pertaining to each agriculture biomass sector: biomaterials, biochemicals/biofuels, bioenergy

• Biomaterials: • Identify, select and assess bioproducts’ value throughout the supply

chain


BQNC Standards Foreign Crop Content, Colour, Moisture Content, Mould,

Organoleptic Properties, Bale Traceability, In-field Sampling, Fibre Cleanliness, Strength, Length

Images: Natural Fibre Technologies; CIC Engineering


• Example: application of moisture and temperature data to prioritize baling operations (Myera Group)

Image: Myera Group

• Biorefining: Biochemicals and Biofuels


Images: Auto How Stuff Works, Sarnia Observer, Canadian Biomass Magazine, Bioenergy International, BioFuelNet Canada

Sugar and Cellulose Content - NIR Rapid Measurement System, Bale Traceability, In-field Sampling

• Bioenergy


Images: International Feed, Alamy, Ekotex, Terravesta, Biopellet Machine, Heatmasterss

Agricultural Biomass Fuel Characteristics, Properties, Date Base, Bale Traceability

2020-03-02

2

• Potential Opportunities: • Partner with precision agriculture companies and equipment

manufacturers

• Expand test procedures into other markets: CBD quality procedures

• Incorporate Biomass Supply initiatives

• Focal a Biocontent Canada Program


Images: SWM International, CIC Engineering, Hempflax, Precision Ag, Dronedj

• Next Steps

• Analyse agriculture biomass sectors to understand value proposition along the supply chain – from the field and the end application/consumer

• Interview BQNC and IBVCC members

• Identify and review similar type organization’s value proposition, organizational structure and revenue streams

• Perform preliminary business modeling to understand potential opportunities

• Construct a value map, develop a strategic approach and prepare a detailed plan to produce a long-term sustainable business model



Image: clipart-library

2011 DOE Biomass Program Review

RD&D Project Presentation Template 1

Catalyzing Expansion of Canada’s

Bioeconomy

Donald L. Smith

Biomass Canada Cluster

BioFuelNet Canada

McGill University

Bioeconomy

• The knowledge-based production and use of biological resources to provide products, processes and services in all economic sectors within the frame of a sustainable economic system.

• The Bioeconomy Council

• Expanding Canada’s bioeconomy can help address challenges associated with employment and industrial activity in the nation’s resource-dependent communities. – Employment in the agricultural sector is reported to have dropped by over 10%,

just since this century began, as family farms have been lost.

• Biomass production can help reverse this, by making food commodities more profitable and increasing earnings from marginal lands. – Advanced biofuels

– High value bioproducts

How?

• Biomass Canada Cluster was developed by BioFuelNet

• The total value of the cluster is $12.8 million over 5 years

(2018-2023), with funds from both the Canadian Agricultural

Partnership program ($8.7 M), and partners (about $4.1 M)

• 24 industry partners, 8 universities, 15 PIs and Co-PIs

• Improve the technologies and market opportunities for

biomass, bioenergy and high-value associated bioproducts,

benefitting agricultural producers across Canada, including in

the northern regions.

Ultimate goal

• Fit aspects of Canadian agriculture into the growing

Canadian bioeconomy

• In doing so it will improve agricultural producers’ incomes

– Production from marginal lands (where food material is generally

not produced)

– Adding value to agricultural wastes

– Improving the overall sustainability of the Canadian agricultural

sector

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

• Making Canadian crop production systems more climate change resilient

Environmental motivation

• BMC was formed to mobilize Canada’s capacity to commoditize biomass within the Canadian context

• Biomass from the agricultural sector can supply biomass to fuel Canada’s developing bioeconomy – Decrease carbon footprint of energy and materials we consume and

export

• CO2 released from biomass/biofuel was taken from the atmosphere (photosynthetically fixed) only a year or two before release in through combustion

• High value bioproducts make the economics work

Economic motivation

• ~9 million ha of marginal land

• $50 to $200 ha-1 – up to $1.8 B

– Switchgrass, miscanthus, coppiced poplar

– More if high value bioproducts

• Crop reside biomass

– Can take ~1/3 per year, or all every 3rd year

– Close to 100 M t per year produced, so about 30 M t per year available

– Perhaps $40 t-1 gross, so $1.2 B

• Will generate well paying jobs at bio-processing facilities

across the rural landscape



Public opinion barriers

Perceived impact on food production

No significant reduction in GHG emissions

Market barriers Emerging demand

Lack of standards on sustainability

and grading of agricultural biomass

Research & innovation

solutions

Field trials and techno-

economic assessments

De-risk the biomass value

chain

Investment barriers Limited infrastructure and

logistical support Biomass productivity not well

investigated Uncertainty on the availability

of biomass volumes and to

spec over the lifetime of the enterprise

Evidence-based communications

Public policies to make

up for market uncertainy

Life Cycle Assessments

(LCAs) to inform policy

Sustainability criteria and

grading standards to

facilitate commercial

trade for agri-pellets

Technical barriers Uncertainty in biomass quality for

agricultural operators Seasonality and inherent variability

in biomass

Barriers

and

Solutions

Theme 1

Biomass & bioenergy for northern latitudes

1. Biomass Feedstock for Food and Energy Security in the

North: Solutions to Technical Issues, Economic

Feasibility and Environmental Sustainability

2. Zero-Waste Process for Conversion of Wet Greenhouse

Wastes and Agro-Forestry Residues into Recycled

Water/Bioenergy/High-value Bioproducts

Theme 2

Optimization of biomass production 1. Biochar Production from Canadian Lignocellulosic Biomass and

Application for Carbon Sequestration, Soil Improvement and Crop Productivity

2. Valorization of Agricultural and Food Wastes: A Closed-Loop Circular Economy Concept to Address Climate Change, Biogas Production, Wastewater Management, and Soil Health

3. Purpose-Grown Biomass Crops: Efficient Production, Yield Modelling and Real-world Verification

4. Develop a Low-Cost and High Production System for Sorghum Biomass on Marginal Lands

5. Development of Biologicals as Low Input, Sustainable Production Practices for Fuel and Residue/Food Production

Theme 3

Biomass pre-processing, supply-chain logistics and economics

1. Application of Thermo-chemical and Hydro-thermal Pre-treatments in Production of Fuel Pellets Using Agricultural Waste

2. Implementation of a Regional Biomass Depot for the Handling, Conditioning and Pre-treatment of Agricultural Crop Residues for Further Biorefining

3. Development of logistics, pretreatment and commercialization of agri-pellets

Greenhouse gas reductions

• Agricultural residues (non-food bio-materials) are abundant across Canada – ~48 M dry t yr-1 could be available

– Renewable fuels to reduce Canadian GHG emissions by ~50 MT CO2 eq. yr-1.

• Additional up to 29 MT CO2 eq. yr-1 GHG reduction could result from growing biomass crops on Canada’s marginal lands (soils classed as 4, 5 and 6 – not used for food production, avoiding any food versus fuel conflict).

• Meaningful slice (around a quarter) of Canada’s Paris accord CO2 emissions reductions goals.

An example • Research conducted by my laboratory,

through Biomass Canada, will further the development of signal molecules produced by microbes in the plant microbiome (like the human microbiome).

• Have now shown that treating plants with extremely low concentrations of signal compounds can dramatically help plants deal with stress – drought, high temperature and salinity

– conditions likely to become more prevalent under climate change

• Can help increase production of both food and other biomass (food AND fuel) – more grain, plus more stems and leaves

– Increases production in establishment year for switch grass

• Thus, these microbes and the signal compounds they produce have the potential to allow development of more climate change resilient agricultural systems in Canada.

0 NaCl 150 mM NaCl

0 10-6 10-8 10-9 10-11 M LCO Thuricin 17



Social directions • California’s recent bioeconomy incentives are currently fueling

a mindset change for big oil players in the US. Shell recently

withdrew its support from the climate-change-denying lobby

group, the American Legislative Exchange Council.

– Its competitors have remained members

• Mark Carney leaving Bank of England to work on climate

change and sustainable energy

• Jeff Bezos has directed $10 B to climate change issues

• This turnaround may drastically change landscape for the

global bioeconomy, especially given the deep pockets and

associated agility of the oil sector to target biomass

Investment context

As of September 6, 2019, about $1B was invested in 71

transactions for Canada

Uniqueness of BMC cluster

• First cluster focused on commoditizing biomass in Canada

• Newness of this area and the enormous potential for this cluster to benefit the economy, the environment, public policy and agricultural producers across Canada, make this cluster unique. – Focuses on profitability of agricultural operators, from farm to market

– Is a horizontal and intra-sectorial cluster within the agricultural sector; its technologies will be applicable to all farmers in Canada

– Focuses on emerging technologies with potential for breakthroughs

– Will create a network of field trial sites

– Will develop innovative revenue streams for crop producers

– Holistic approach to improving farm profitability

• AAFC has historically funded clusters working on food commodities, not ones aimed at removing the barriers for farmers to engage in the production of biomass

Technical Accomplishments:

Research activity

• Total 12 Activities (Activity 12 was added in April 2019)

• 39 HQP

• 4 new technologies (new products, practices, processes and

systems) that have been developed and then assessed under

research conditions.

• Strong partnership building: Invited industry partner representatives as Cluster Board Members and Chair of the workshop sections

16

Approach-KTT

• Annual Biomass KTT workshop

Provide current research developments and knowledge & technology transfer

• Field demonstrations

Partner with other farmer events and reach out to agricultural operators and their

stakeholders

• Biomass to Fuel the Bioeconomy online course modules

9 lecture series

Provide understanding of biomass importance to Canada, its production, and

availability

Identify biomass quality and suitability for bioenergy and bioproduct production

Provide understanding of elements of supply chain, energy balances and

environmental impact

• Data sharing

• Communications/information products

Social media & factsheet/information


KTT activities

• Annual newsletter is ready to be distributed in middle of February online

• Two Biomass to Fuel Bioeconomy lectures for online course produced:

(https://mega.nz/#!FVZkDIiQ!XoW1PK5IkvVFt9kUclfnR1l3Xwo3gavSpmxv-HGpUf0)

• 1st Biomass to Fuel the Bioeconomy workshop was held on September 23, 2019.

• A feature interview on CTV Evening News on 3 March 2019.

(https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1626345)

18

https://mega.nz/#!FVZkDIiQ!XoW1PK5IkvVFt9kUclfnR1l3Xwo3gavSpmxv-HGpUf0



https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1626345

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1626345




KTT activities (continued)

• 1st Biomass to Fuel Bioeconomy workshop is held on September 23 2019

– The workshop was a collaboration with the wood pellet Association of Canada, bringing a total of 50 participants at the

workshop (unexpected result-original expected 25 participants)

– The workshop focused on:

• Session #1: Energy crops as biomass for the bioeconomy

• Session #2: Waste as biomass for the bioeconomy

• Session #3: Biomass to fuel the bioeconomy

• The workshop finished with presentations from graduate students involved in the Biomass Cluster and an overview of the

cluster activities followed by and open discussion with all the participants.

19


KTT activities

• Communications/information products

– An overview of Biomass production article is completed and ready for publication

– Biomass Magazine, regular Facebook and Twitter

– An article on Biomass & Bioenergy investment analysis is underway

20

Relevance

• Annual Newsletter: Inform agri-biomass community regarding current biomass research developments, investment in bioeconomy, and Knowledge & Technology Transfer

• Biomass to Fuel the Bioeconomy online course modules: Provide overall review of biomass role in the bioeconomy

• Annual “Biomass to Fuel the Bioeconomy” workshop/Field demonstrations: Provides the conversion of research to Knowledge & Technology Transfer

• Communications/information products: Reached out to agricultural operators and their stakeholders & increased public awareness

Critical Success Factors

• Maintain good team work among cluster researchers, industry partners and the Biomass Canada cluster.

• Engage industry partners in the Board composition and annual workshop presentations

• Maintain strong communication among researchers, industry partners, farm community and management.

• Demonstrate evidence-based agri-biomass research.

• Reach out to related clusters for the development of joint collaborations.

• Train HQP for the future biomass market.

Synergies with other clusters

• BMC will work with other funded clusters to share relevant

data, experimental results and knowledge transfer activities

– Ensure synergies with them

• Will greatly increase the data sets and the power of the

knowledge transfer tools developed in AgriScience Cluster

Program

• Currently developing relationships with

– Bioindustrial Innovation Canada

– Biomass Quality Network

Overall

• The Biomass Canada cluster will play an important role in integrating the Canadian agricultural sector into the developing Canadian bioeconomy

– Strengthen the Canadian Agricultural Community and improve the economic position of Canadian crop producers

– Job creation in rural areas

– Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions

– More sustainable and climate change resilient agricultural sector in Canada

– Knowledge and Technology Transfer • Specific area of Biomass Canada activity



Acknowledgements

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriScience Program

• All participating universities, industry partners, researchers

and students from Biomass Canada Cluster. The End!

Questions?

2020-03-02

1

BQNC Workshop February 19, 2020

Biomass Characterization for Biofuel Applications by NIR

Spectroscopy Project Update

• The need was previously identified in the BQNC Biofuels and Biochemicals Committees for an faster way to characterize biomass samples for prospective biofuels technologies.

• Therefore it was agreed that the BQNC would undertake would be to develop an NIR calibration to characterize biomass samples.

• The purpose of the project is to develop a method for characterizing biomass potentially useful for biofuel applications by correlating near-infrared (NIR) spectra with results derived from conventional wet chemical methods.

Project Summary

• In the previous project, the BQNC licensed a biomass database from the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and then collected NIR data from the 186 NREL calibration samples on the Lambton College NIR/UV analyzer.

• For the Task 1 of the current project, NREL will build a multivariate calibration model based on the near-infrared (NIR) spectra of biomass samples from the NREL mixed model calibration set that were previously collected.

• The model will predict five analytes (glucan, xylan, lignin, ash, extractives) using the partial least squares (PLS2) algorithm.

• The deliverable for this Task will be a report summarizing the work and a calibration model and is planned for this fiscal year.

Task 1 Summary

• NREL will collect spectra on 186 biomass samples from the NREL mixed model calibration set that has been licensed by BQNC on a Texas Instruments handheld NIR spectrometer purchased by BQNC.

• NREL researchers will then build a multivariate calibration model based on these spectra.

• The model will predict five analytes (glucan, xylan, lignin, ash, extractives) using the partial least squares (PLS2) algorithm.

• The deliverable for this Task will be a report summarizing the work and a calibration model for the hand held NIR Spectrometer and is planned for this fiscal year.

Task 2 Summary

• The start of the project has been delayed due to some changes in the paperwork required by the U.S. DOE for NREL when working with international clients.

• NREL is seeking to get this paperwork completed as soon as possible but they are unable to escalate the matter and so the project is held up pending this.

• NREL is unable to commence work on the project until the DOE required paperwork is in place.

NREL License Summary

• BQNC will provide up to 10 biomass samples (at least 50 g milled to 2mm and dried to less than 10% moisture) to NREL for scanning on NREL spectrometer. BQNC will also supply NIR spectra of these samples collected on the Lambton College Perkin-Elmer NIR spectrometer and the Texas Instruments NIR instrument.

• NREL will collect NIR spectra of the samples using an appropriate NREL NIR spectrometer.

• NREL researchers will predict the composition of these samples using the model/spectra from NREL, Lambton College and Texas Instruments Handheld instrument, and compare predictions for each analyte from each model.

• The deliverable for Task 3 will be a report summarizing the observed differences among the models and will be a Fiscal 2021 deliverable.

Task 3 Summary

2020-03-02

2

• NREL will perform wet chemistry on the 10 samples used in Task 3.

• NREL will measure the following values (all with units of % dry matter): total water extractives, ethanol extractives, structural carbohydrate (glucan, xylan, galactan, arabinan), acetate, protein, lignin (both acid soluble and acid-insoluble), and ash.

• NREL will also measure the non-structural carbohydrates sucrose, fructose, and glucose in the water extractives fraction.

• The deliverable for this Task will be a report detailing the results of the analyses for the sample group, including any unusual results of these analyses and will be a Fiscal 2021 deliverable.

Task 4 Summary

• As part of the Sherbrooke University project, NREL will assist in the collection of hyperspectral images of 186 biomass samples from the NREL mixed model calibration set that have been licensed by BQNC.

• Researchers from Sherbrooke University will travel to NREL with the hyperspectral camera to NREL.

• NREL researchers will coordinate the visit, provide suitable laboratory space, and work with the Sherbrooke researchers to complete the hyperspectral imaging of

the calibration set.

• Timing of this Task 5 will be set by Sherbrooke University but it is expected this will be a Fiscal Year 2021 activity.

Task 5 Update

• Currently awaiting completion of the NREL contract including the DOE paperwork before NREL can commence working on Task1 and Task 2.

• As part of Task 4 one of the activities over the coming months will be to solicit biomass samples from BQNC members with the goal to include a variety of samples that span the calibration set.

• First step will be to send desired sample types to BQNC members and start collecting samples so that they will be in hand when NREL is ready to commence work on Task 4.

• Timing of this is expected to be summer – fall 2020.

Next Steps

Questions?

[email protected]

2020-03-02

1

Standards for Sampling and Traceability for Agricultural Biomass

Biorefinery Feedstock

Ray Bergstra

BQNC Workshop

February 2020

1. Develop a standard method for agricultural biomass sampling – A forward-looking document where biorefineries can maintain

optimized operational parameters based on standardized feedstock characteristics

2. Develop a standard traceability model for agricultural biomass – Identify and demonstrate traceability systems for the entire

supply chain to meet anticipated customer requirements

Program Objectives

Conclusions from BQNC 1.0 were:

• Some laboratory analytical methods for biomass characterization have been standardized

• Biorefineries for fuel and chemical production will use the same feedstocks (wheat straw, corn stover, etc)

• Supply chain risks, which include biomass feedstock quality and characteristics, have impeded investment

Project Background

Recommendations from BQNC 1.0 were:

• continue effort to establish standardized biomass feedstock quality specifications, traceability and sampling systems, analytical methods, and supply procedures

• align activities and objectives with programs in place elsewhere, particularly with NREL in the US but also with the EU

• include supply chain (financial) risk assessment standards within its mandate.

Project Background

1. Report issued describing current practices for biomass bale sampling procedures and along with a preliminary assessment of best practices

2. A review of existing practices of ag commodity traceability models

Deliverables for March 2020

Sampling Methods

• Forage (hay) exporters were interviewed as a proxy for determining best practices for biomass (large bale) sampling

• No standard practices exist

• Driver for robust sampling is fear of shipment rejection by importers, due to contamination, pests, etc.

• Core sampling, external visual, manually opening the bale, and source (field) inspections are all used to ensure quality

• One company had a manual that was strictly adhered to in order to meet CFIA regulations for phytosanitary certification

Summary of Findings

2020-03-02

2

Traceability

• Traceability is important because the physical properties of the fibre (fibre toughness impacts flowability) depend on the harvest date, that season’s weather, fertilization, storage etc.

• All specific aspects of the biomass production and supply can impact processability at the biorefinery

• Numerous sophisticated traceability systems are available as a service offering to ag industry

• Typical models include tagging [each bale] with a serial number and then tracing using a cellphone app

• Data entered should include location (even part of the field), crop, date of harvest, all storage locations, etc.

Summary of Findings

• For Year 1 (through March 2020)

– Produce recommendations for drafting a biomass sampling method

– Traceability white paper is pending from a subject matter expert

• For Year 2 (through March 2021)

– Compete an initial round robin of biomass quality testing using samples obtained from a range of sampling methods

– Identify key industry stakeholders and obtain feedback on traceability models

Next Steps

2020-03-03

1

Biomass Quality Network Canada 2.0 (AAFC Funded)

Bioenergy

Sub-Committee Update

Workshop#1

Winnipeg

Feb 19 2020

Biomass Value Chain

• BIOMASS for Residential/Institutional Heating (<1MW)

• Focus on Prairie Provinces

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

• Task group 1 - FEEDSTOCK AVAILABILITY, MAPPPING, SUPPLY CHAIN PATHWAYS

• Task group 2 - BIOENERGY HEAT MARKET POTENTIAL AND ECONOMIC COMPARISON

• Task group 3 - FEEDSTOCK GRADING SYSTEM

Phase-I: Mandate and Activities

• How much biomass exists?

• Where is biomass located?

• What are the components of the biomass?

• What is the quality of the biomass?

• What are the environmental implications of managing the biomass?

– BRIMS (Silvacom) – Alberta

– BIMAT (AAFC) – Pan Canada

– BIOMASS ATLAS (IISD) - Manitoba

FEEDSTOCK MAPPING

BIMAT

BRIMS

2020-03-03

2

BIOECONOMY ATLAS BIOMASS AVAILABILITY

Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba

Agricultural residues (odmt/yr) 34.8 M 7.9 M 12.7 M

Forestry mill residues (odmt/yr) 1.66 M 0.16 M 0.16 M

Biomass Heat Market potential

Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba

Agricultural residues (odmt/yr) 34.8 M 7.9 M 12.7 M

Forestry mill residues (odmt/yr) 1.66 M 0.16 M 0.16 M

Electricity Consumption, 2015 (PJ) 280 77 76

Natural Gas Consumption, 2015 (PJ) 896 344 89

Biomass (odmt) required to replace 20% of market • 70 % efficiency • 17 MJ/Kg energy content

19.76 M 7.08 M 2.77 M

Sources: BRIMS, Sask and MB reports, National Energy Board

Competitiveness of biomass heat

Biomass

Delivered Cost ($/t)

Alberta (within 100km radius)

Saskatchewan (within 180km

radius) Manitoba

Agriculture 90-105 (unpelletized) 58-123 20-100

Forestry 65-160 (unpelletized) 175-180 20-100

Competitive cost threshold < 50 < 175-200 for

electricity < 75-100/ for NG

< 125-150

Economical? NO YES – electricity

NO – NG YES

Major hurdles in Alberta: – Low energy commodity pricing – High feedstocks and transportation costs

Solid Biofuels Standards – ISO 17225 Series (Woody & Non-Woody)

ISO 17225:6 and 7 - Fuel Specifications and Classes for Graded Non-Woody Pellets / Briquettes

a Value to be stated b Minimum value to be stated

Moisture Ash Elementary Analysis, wt% db Net HV,

Biomass Type wt%, wb wt% db N S Cl MJ/kg

Grade A Pellets/ Briquettes

≤12 ≤6 ≤1.5 ≤0.20 ≤0.10 ≥14.5

Grade B Pellets/ Briquettes

≤15 ≤10 ≤2.0 ≤0.30 ≤0.30 ≥14.5

Cereal Straw Pellets

≤10 ≤6.0, 6.0+a ≤0.7 ≤0.10 ≤0.10 b

Miscanthus Pellets ≤10 ≤4.0, 4.0+a ≤0.5 ≤0.05 ≤0.08 b

Reed Canary Grass Pellets

≤12 ≤8.0, 8.0+a ≤2.0 ≤0.20 ≤0.10 ≥14.5

2020-03-03

3

Fuel Properties Assessed

• Moisture

• Energy Content and Density

• Fuel Composition (Ash, VM,

FC, C/H/N/S, Cl)

• How well Canadian agricultural biomass fuel qualities and specifications compare to those specified in the ISO 17225 solid biofuels standards?

• Compilation and evaluation of published fuel characteristics data for Canadian agricultural biomass feedstocks.

Crop Type

Ash Moisture Nitrogen Sulphur Chlorine Net Calorific

Value a

(wt% db) (MJ/kg wb)

Wheat Straw b

Barley Straw b

Canola Straw b NA

Flax Straw b

Corn Stover b

Hemp Straw Tall b NA NA

Hemp Straw Short c

Grade B

NA

Grade A

Grade A

NA

Oat (grain)c

Grade B

NA

Grade A

Grade A

NA

average fuel property values of the published used in the overview comparison

Overview of Canadian fuel characteristics in comparison to the values in the ISO 17225: 6 and 7

a Net Calorific values are for Grade A and B pellets as defined in the ISO 17225-6, Table 1; corrected for 15% MC wb b Compares the property values for property classes to those in the ISO 17225-6, Table 2 for Cereal Straw pellets C Compares the values for property classes of Grades A and B in the ISO 17225:6 (Table 1)

Cereal Crops

Next Steps

new fuel data and other agricultural biomass samples

Expand the fuel assessment

database

Fuel Quality measures / control for producers

Include fuel parameters (equipment design & operation)

halides & ash components

sample history: geographical location, variety, climate conditions, harvest methods, storage info etc)

• BIOENERGY from Solid and Gaseous BioFuels

• Focus on all Provinces (Coast-to-Coast)

• Task – FEEDSTOCK INVENTORY SCAN, AVAILABILITY, MAPPPING, SUPPLY CHAIN PATHWAYS

• Task – RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS & ADVANCE SOLID FUELS MARKETS

• Task - FEEDSTOCK GRADING SYSTEM

Phase-II: ACTIVITIES Planned

• Solid Biofuels

• Gaseous Biofuels

Bioenergy Biogas and RNG

2020-03-03

4

Regulatory Landscape

19

The Renewable Fuels Regulations SOR/2010-189

GHG Emission Reduction Mandate at Federal Level

5% renewable fuel content based on the gasoline volume

2% renewable content in diesel fuel and heating oil (2011)

• Covers liquid, solid and gaseous fuels in transportation, industry and buildings • Life cycle approach to assess GHG emissions (from cradle to grave)

Clean Fuel Standard (2019)

December 2017 Clean Fuel Standard Regulatory Framework

Early 2020: Proposed regulations for the liquid fuel class of the Clean Fuel Standard published in Canada Gazette, Part I.

Mid-2021 Proposed regulations for the gaseous and solid fuel classes of the Clean Fuel Standard published in the Canada Gazette, Part I

January 1, 2022: Liquid fuel class regulations come into force.

January 1, 2023: Gaseous and solid fuel regulations come into force.

Alberta Organic Waste Inventory

• Ataullah Khan Mohammed / InnoTech Alberta (AB)

• Dennis St. George / SandGeo (MB)

• Lorne Grieger / PAMI (SK/MB)

• Sebnem Madrali / Natural Resources Canada (ON/QC)

• Victor Cheng / Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AB)

• Anahita Jami / CSA Group (CANADA)

Subcommittee Members ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Additional Slides

Standards in solid biomass

24

CAN/CSA-ISO 16559:15 Solid biofuels - Terminology, definitions and descriptions

Pro

du

ct

CAN/CSA-ISO 17225-1:15 Solid biofuels - Fuel specifications and classes - Part 1: General requirements

CAN/CSA-ISO 17225-2:15 Solid biofuels - Fuel specifications and classes - Part 2: Graded wood pellets

CAN/CSA-ISO 17225-3:15 Solid biofuels - Fuel specifications and classes - Part 3: Graded wood briquettes

CAN/CSA-ISO 17225-4:15 Solid biofuels - Fuel specifications and classes - Part 4: Graded wood chips

CAN/CSA-ISO 17225-5:15 Solid biofuels - Fuel specifications and classes - Part 5: Graded firewood

CAN/CSA-ISO 17225-6:15 Solid biofuels - Fuel specifications and classes - Part 6: Graded non-woody pellets

CAN/CSA-ISO 17225-7:15 Solid biofuels - Fuel specifications and classes - Part 7: Graded non-woody briquettes

Ch

emic

al T

esti

ng

CAN/CSA-ISO 16948:15 Solid biofuels - Determination of total content of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen

CAN/CSA-ISO 16967:15 Solid biofuels - Determination of major elements - Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, P, K, Si, Na and Ti

CAN/CSA-ISO 16968:15 Solid biofuels - Determination of minor elements

CAN/CSA-ISO 16993:15 Solid biofuels - Conversion of analytical results from one basis to another CAN/CSA-ISO 16994:15 Solid biofuels - Determination of total content of sulfur and chlorine

CAN/CSA-ISO 16995:15 Solid biofuels - Determination of the water soluble chloride, sodium and potassium content

Ph

ysic

al a

nd

me

chan

ical

tes

tin

g

CAN/CSA-ISO 17827-1:17 Solid biofuels - Determination of particle size distribution for uncompressed fuels -- Part 1: Oscillating …

CAN/CSA-ISO 17827-2:17 Solid biofuels - Determination of particle size distribution for uncompressed fuels - Part 2: Vibrating ..

CAN/CSA-ISO 17828:16 Solid biofuels - Determination of bulk density

CAN/CSA-ISO 17829:16 Solid Biofuels - Determination of length and diameter of pellets

CAN/CSA-ISO 17830:17 Solid biofuels -- Particle size distribution of disintegrated pellets

CAN/CSA-ISO 17831-1:16 Solid biofuels - Determination of mechanical durability of pellets and briquettes - Part 1: Pellets

CAN/CSA-ISO 17831-2:16 Solid biofuels - Determination of mechanical durability of pellets and briquettes - Part 2: Briquettes

CAN/CSA-ISO 18122:16 Solid biofuels - Determination of ash content

CAN/CSA-ISO 18123:16 Solid biofuels - Determination of the content of volatile matter

CAN/CSA-ISO 18134-1:15 Solid biofuels - Determination of moisture content - Oven dry method - Part 1: Total moisture - Reference method

CAN/CSA-ISO 18134-2:15 Solid biofuels - Determination of moisture content - Oven dry method - Part 2: Total moisture - Simplified method

CAN/CSA-ISO 18134-3:15 Solid biofuels - Determination of moisture content - Oven dry method - Part 3: Moisture in general analysis sample CAN/CSA-ISO 18846:17 Solid biofuels -- Determination of fines content in samples of pellets

2020-03-03

5

Standards in solid biomass

25

• Standards under development by ISO/TC 238

• Project funded by Office of Energy Research and Development:Storage of Biomass supply chain: Mitigating GHG emissions and biomass degradation

As part of this project, CSA will be working under a collaboration agreement with NRCan to develop an Express Document: A guideline for safe handling and storage of Wood chips

ISO/DIS 20023 Solid biofuels -- Safety of solid biofuel pellets -- Safe handling and storage of wood pellets in residential and other small-scale applications

ISO/CD 20024 Solid biofuels -- Safe handling and storage of solid biofuel pellets in commercial and industrial applications

ISO/NP 20048-1 Solid biofuels -- Determination of off-gassing and oxygen depletion characteristics -- Part 1: Laboratory method for the determination of off-gassing and oxygen depletion

ISO/NP 20048-2 Solid biofuels -- Determination of off-gassing and oxygen depletion characteristics -- Part 2: Operational method for screening of carbon monoxide off-gassing

ISO/CD 20049 Solid biofuels -- Determination of self-heating of pelletized biofuels

ISO/CD 21404 Solid biofuels -- Method for the determination of ash melting behaviour

ISO/AWI 21596 Solid biofuels -- Determination of grindability -- Hardgrove type method for thermally treated biomass fuels

ISO/CD 21945 Solid Biofuels -- Simplified sampling method for small scale applications and stores

References for Fuel Data

• Combustion Properties of Agricultural Residues in Alberta, Alberta Research Council (2011)

• Biomass Burn Characteristics, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/11-033.htm#6)

• Characterization of Canadian biomass for alternative renewable biofuel (S. Naik, V. V. Goud, P. K. Rout, K. Jacobson, A. K. Dalai, Renewable Energy 35 (2010), 1624–1631)

• CanmetENERGY biomass database (v.7)

• BQNC (Alberta InnoTech fuel analysis)

https://www.iso.org/standard/66852.html?browse=tc













2020-03-02

1

Biomaterials Update

Presented Feb 19th

BQNC Workshop 1:

Sustainability & Ag Biomass

Alvin Ulrich

Biolin Research Inc.

How valuable is this bale?

• If 500 kg bale:

• C$20 to C$150/bale

• That’s a BIG RANGE!

It depends:

• > 1,000,000 ac. of salvageable hemp & flax straw

• > 1,000,000 500 kg round bales of straw

• > 30,000 semi-truck loads of straw

• = solid line of semi-trucks from Montreal to Toronto (350 miles!)

• WE would definitely need:

• FAST, CHEAP and RELIABLE ways to determine the value of bales

A potential scenario in 5 yrs:

• BQNC BIOMATERIAL GOALS:

• Fast, quick, repeatable and reasonably accurate valuation methods to use NOW in the field

• Better information on WHERE and HOW OFTEN to take samples

• Eventually replace with low cost, accurate, reliable automated sensors and systems

The Valuation Process

What straw properties affect their value?

• Moisture content

• Presence of mold/rot

• Foreign matter (weeds, plastic, stones)

• Length/brokenness (average and distribution)

• Color (as an indicator of stem consistency and degree of retting)

• Fiber Content


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• How can we measure these properties?

• “Lab methods” BUT slow to get results

• Organoleptically (using our senses) – we are developing a “scoring” system that will be coupled with workshops and social media to show processors and farmers how to quickly assess the likely value of flax straw and hemp stalks

• Use of calibrated sensors and artificial intelligence that are in development now


• Different individuals working on different properties

– Alvin Ulrich/Biolin: moisture, organoleptic methods, sampling, educations/extension

– Andrea Dyck/CIC: instrumentation of color measurement, fiber strength, other

– Jianbo Lu/Alta Ag: use of NIR to measure mold, foreign matter, other


• Can be measured by:

• Organoleptically (cheap, fast, “roughly accurate”)

• Oven drying (cheap, accurate but slow)

• Bale probes (most popular, reasonably accurate, quite cheap; fast)

Moisture.....

• Microwave Moisture Meter (fast, fairly expensive, best installed over a moving belt)

• Near-Infrared Moisture Meter (fast but only surface penetration, relatively cheap)

• Nuclear Moisture Meter (fast, penetrates even dense materials, only cost effective in large industrial settings)

....Moisture

• We sampled more than 1,000 bales at various sites in SK, AB and ON in a number of ways using bale probes to enable us to use statistical methods to develop some preliminary answers regarding how to sample agricultural bales and how many samples to take.

• The number of samples we need to take depends on:

– How confident we want to be that our sample results really represent the whole “lot” or field

– The natural variation in moisture content

Moisture...

• BUT the problem arises when we have a RARE event like two wet bales hidden underneath dry bales

• In this case, variation is very high and we should take a huge number of samples to be confident in our results

• To greatly reduce the need for samples, we need to use organoleptic methods (e.g., different color or smell) to find those “rare” events and separately sample the unusual ones

RARE Moisture Levels

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• What is the cost and time needed to take more samples?

• What is the consequence of being wrong?

• What are the consequences of missing

• detection of the very wet bale?

• How valuable are the possible products?

• Can the “bad” bale be diverted or physically separated easily from the “good” bales?

• What “clues” can we use to tell there is a hidden “bad” bale?

Some Considerations

• Moisture content has a very large influence on the ability to harvest, process and store effectively biomass like flax straw and hemp stalks

• There are various methods to test for moisture and various ways to sample bales for moisture content

• We are developing methods and protocols that try to optimize accuracy and reliability with cost effectiveness

Summary

• There are other properties, besides moisture, that are also very important in developing a fair valuation for bales of biomass and other members of BQNC are working on these at this time.

Summary

For questions and comments contact:

Alvin Ulrich

Biolin Research Inc.

Saskatoon, SK

Canada

[email protected]

Cell: 1.306.280.1701

We must stop wasting biomass!

mailto:[email protected]

3/2/2020

1

BQNC Phase II – Quality Assurance

February 2020

1. Quality Assurance Technology Development: Bioenergy

2. Quality Assurance Technology Development: Biomaterials

3. Quality Assurance Technology Development: Biorefining

4. Education and Communication

5. Self-Sustainability Plan

Breakdown of Activities

CIC involvement

Introduction Colour Strength Length Questions?

CIC-Led Project Work Quality Standard Development


Colour In-field determination of retting level using fiber/straw colour assessment

Strength On-site determination of the strength of bast fibers using a Pressley Tester

Length On-site determination of the length of long bast fibers

• A prototype of the app was completed in Phase I

• Phase II focuses on the optimization of the app

• CIC involvement includes coordinating with Tactica to test the app and provide feedback

In-Field Colour Assessment




• App was used to take photos of specimens with known CIELAB spectroscopy values and organoleptic retting scores

• Results showed Tactica’s CIELAB values were comparable to the results obtained from spectroscopy

• Tactica CIELAB values are able to identify colour well in samples with low colour variability



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• We have had ongoing communication with Tactica to improve the app’s functionality

• Tactica is working on an Android version of the app – current version is only developed for iOS

• Using a limited data set CIC has been able to see some success relating retting scores to the CIELAB values obtained by the app



• Final product will indicate to users the level of retting

– Either a quantitative retting score between 1-10 or a qualitative score; not retted, retted, well retted

• Next steps:

– Source more hemp or fiber stalks for organoleptic testing

– Determine critical CIELAB values for user feedback



• CIC has completed some work on fiber bundle testing

• ASTM D1445 – Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Cotton Fibers is being adapted to suit bast fibers

Fiber Bundle Testing


• Pressley Tester uses the principle of moments

• Breakage occurs: 𝑀𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 > 𝑀𝑓𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

Advantages:

• Less expensive

• Quick test and information turnaround

• Minimal space requirements

• No software or computer access requirements

• Mobile

Pressley Fiber Bundle Tester


• Researched the standard development process and obtained an ASTM membership

• Preliminary trials comparing the results obtained from the Pressley Fiber Bundle Tester and Zwick load frame determined:

– A sensitivity to sample architecture

– Modifying grips improved distribution of results from the Pressley Tester

• Current focus is adjusting our methodology to control variables

Fiber Bundle Testing


• High level of interest in determining length when we are asked about the grading of long fibers

• Current methods require time consuming sample preparation

• CIC has done some preliminary work but has not made significant progress at this time

• We welcome suggestions or expertise that can support this project

Determination of Fiber Length


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