Seedster Technology for more Seed Recovery, less impurities, and faster ground speed harvesting camelina and canola for biodiesel feedstock

Native Seedsters, Inc will test patented technology to recover camelina seed (Camelina sativa). Seedster principles appear apt for camelina. The Seedster counter-rotating brush and a combing drum form a `pinch point'. The comb teeth position seed stems. The brush dislodges seed and few impurities. Rapid brush rotation creates air to propel plucked seed into the conveyance system. Camelina grows on marginal soil in dry cool environments, such as the Northern Great Plains. The DOE/USDA SBIR Energy Summit urged small businesses to develop renewable energy technologies. Success of Seedster technology in camelina harvest would increase renewable biofuels with favorable energy balance. Camelina oil content, 35-40%, is excellent biodiesel feedstock. The large fraction of Omega-3 oil content, 34-39%, has superior nutritional qualities. Omega-3 oil amino acids in meal increase Omega-3 levels in eggs, milk, and meat. Acreage may soon pass a million acres in Montana. Yield range from 1000-2500 lbs/per acre. Production costs are $46.40/acre due to lower seed, fertilizer, and herbicide costs. Camelina biodiesel production costs average $1.45 per gallon. Pod shattering or seed carry-over from combines leads to camelina seed loss. Combines limit ground speed to 1-2 mph to separate material. Round, small, dense camelina seed in fragile pods when ripe, number 300,000-465,000 per lb. Increased seed recovery impacts the bottom line of the grower. If feasible a seed harvester will be designed that recovers a high percentage of standing crop, with a few hulls and stems, at high ground speed.