Distribution systems, wood fuel

Business executives expect growth of the wood-for-energy business to occur slowly. While the means exist to collect and convert wood into useful products, the lack of wood fuel distribution systems is perceived to be a major barrier to growth. A further concern of executives is the lack of assurances regarding the long-term availability of supplies. 

However, a correctly specifically manufactured and configured stoker is an excellent combustor of cellulose waste such as (1) wood—shredded trees to sawdust (2) garbage—refuse-derived fuel (3) bagasse—sugarcane residne (4) industrial residue—paper, plastics, and wood (5) furfural residue (6) peanut shells and (7) shredded tires. Most of these fuels can be bnrned without auxiliary fuel with proper attention to fnel moisture, design heat release, combustion air system design, and preheated air temperature. Cogeneration and the emphasis on renewable fuels have driven increased use of these fuels. Size distribution of the fuel is important from the standpoint of efficiency, availability, and low emissions. 

Wood powder is a kind of upgraded fuel that is burned in large-scale combustion plants for heat production. However, it is possible to use wood powder for power generation as well. It is a biofuel made of sawdust, shavings and bark. The raw material is crushed, dried and milled to tine particles in order to obtain the best fuel properties. There are many different wood powder qualities dependant on different physical properties such as particle size distribution, particle shape and also moisture content. The powder is usually handled in a closed system from milling to storing in silos to avoid the risk of dust explosions. The raw materials and type of mill used determine the properties of the wood powder (Paulrud et al, 2002). 

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