ABSTRACT
The feasible conversion of biomass into an energy resource or value-added product is determined in part by the ability to develop ef cient and economical processes that harvest, collect, and store biomass feedstocks. Biomass logistics is a general concept used to analyze and manipulate the ow of materials from the production site (i.e., an agricultural eld or a forest) to the point of conversion or use (i.e., the biore nery). A successful biomass logistics network will insure the timely delivery of materials, prevent excessive degradation of the feedstock, and process the crop into a form that increases the conversion ef ciency. Logistics involves the integration of biomass collection systems, material storage facilities, transportation networks, and additional processing systems that attempt to either maintain or improve the physical
properties of the material. Figure 4.1 provides an example of a logistics system used to collect and transport grains from an agricultural eld.
