Woodfuel processing

Wood can be used in a variety of different forms, but to make best use of it it must be processed to the optimum form for the equipment in use.

• Drying

Freshly harvested, or “green” wood typically has a moisture content of around 50-60% (wet basis). Although some equipment is specifically designed to be able to burn green fuel, most wood chip boilers require a moisture content of around 30-35%, while log stoves and boilers typically require 15-25% moisture content

• Chipping

In order to be able to automate the fuel feed for a biomass boiler, the fuel needs to be converted into a form in which it can be made to flow from a bulk fuel store into the boiler, typically using a screw auger. This is usually done by chipping, but it is critical that the chips are of regular size, without excessive “fines” (dust) or long slivers, that can cause blockages