Straw process

The StB system from Linka Energy is a specially developed, fully automated solution designed to integrate straw as a valuable resource in biogas production. The system manages the entire process from straw bale reception to pre-treatment and dosing into the biogas plant.

The StB system (Straw to Biogas) consists of carefully selected components that together ensure efficient, automated and sustainable handling of straw for biogas production.

The process begins with an automated straw crane that transports straw bales directly into the system without manual handling. A string remover then automatically removes twine and netting, preparing the material for further processing.

The next stage is the shredder, which reduces the straw to a uniform size, preparing it for passage through the hammer mill.

The straw is then processed through a series of pre-treatment units, typically including stone traps, coarse and fine mills, and air separation – all ensuring the most uniform possible reactor infeed.

This integrated approach enables straw to be utilised as a valuable resource in biogas production, increasing plant efficiency while reducing dependency on fossil fuels and CO₂ emissions.

The StB system has been implemented in several biogas plants, including a project in Kværs in cooperation with Nature Energy, where it resulted in increased biogas output and improved operational efficiency.

Photo: Nature Energy (Kværs)

Linka Energy supplies automated handling solutions that ensure stable and efficient feeding of straw-based biomass to biogas plants.

One example is the facility at Bioenergie Marienthal in Schleswig-Holstein, where Linka installed a complete line for straw bale reception and pre-treatment.

The process begins with an automated straw crane transporting bales directly into the system without manual intervention.

A string remover then automatically removes netting and twine, after which the bales are cut into smaller pieces by a guillotine.

The pre-treated material is conveyed to a mixing tank where straw is mixed with slurry or liquid to achieve a pumpable consistency.

The entire system is centrally controlled via a monitoring system that ensures high operational reliability and enables remote operation.

This solution enables straw to be utilised as a manageable and valuable resource in biogas production, with a high degree of automation and minimal manual labour.

Photo: Bioenergie Marienthal

Automatic removal of twine from straw as preparation for pre-treatment and shredding.

Linka Energy’s string remover is an integrated part of the company’s automated straw handling systems, designed to efficiently remove binding twine and netting from straw bales before further processing in biogas plants.

This process is essential to ensure smooth operation and to prevent foreign objects from damaging downstream equipment such as shredders and pumps.

The string remover automatically identifies and removes twine and netting that hold the straw bales together.

After removal, the cleaned straw material is conveyed to the next stage of the pre-treatment process, such as size reduction and mixing with slurry or other liquids to achieve pumpable consistency.

Implementation of the string remover reduces manual intervention, increases operational reliability and contributes to more efficient and sustainable biogas production.

Photo: Bioenergie Marienthal

Photo: BioCirc Vinkel

An effective mechanical solution for size reduction and softening of baled biomass – such as straw – to achieve a uniform, pumpable consistency ready for further biogas processing.

A shredder system is designed for pre-treatment of baled biomass such as straw, hay and grass silage.

The system reduces and softens the material, increasing reaction surface area, improving gas yield and reducing wear on downstream equipment.

This pre-treatment increases the reaction surface area, thereby improving gas yield and reducing wear on downstream equipment.

Shredder systems are typically integrated with string removers and reception units to ensure efficient and automated biomass handling.

Linka Energy has implemented shredder systems in several projects.

For example, in cooperation with Euromilling, a solution has been developed to convert straw bales into high-quality straw powder for biogas production.

This solution enables efficient conversion of straw into biogas, contributing to more sustainable energy production.

Photo: Nature Energy (Kværs)

Photo: Madsen Bioenergi