Transportation is a significant cost, and it can be a barrier to using some feedstock resources. Transportation and handling operations can account for nearly 50% of the capital investment of a feedstock assembly system. Unlike the other unit operations in the feedstock supply system that can impart additional value to the feedstock, transportation costs simply move the feedstock to the biorefinery. Hence, reducing these costs to a minimum is vital to achieving low feedstock supply system costs.

Regardless of the transport method (e. g., truck, rail, or barge), bulk density is the key tech­nical parameter that must be addressed to decrease transportation costs. As such, methods to increase bulk density are a focus of the transportation and handling R&D. Bulk handling is also affected by feedstock rheological properties and this, too, is an area of focus.

Specific research needed to reduce transportation and handling costs includes:

• Understanding physical and rheological feedstock properties (including bulk density) as they relate to handling systems to optimize handling and transportation efficiencies

• Evaluating innovative transportation and handling methods.