Biomass Combustion

Biomass is a very general term to a wide range of potential fuel sources. Biomass can be purpose grown energy source or a waste, or currently perceived waste. When biomass is referenced, in many cases the reference is still to do with wood. Timber has been used for energy production for thousands of years, and does and will continue to play a central role in biomass energy and biomass combustion. However, woody biomass is only on small part of the picture, potentially all grasses, straws, energy crops and even animal waste is a potential source of energy through biomass combustion. The key issue with all of these raw materials is how do you use them. All of these resources have a different shape, size, density and moisture content. To create a biomass combustion solution which can use all these potential energy sources would be extremely difficult, cost and not a very practical exercise. Also transporting these low density and high moisture content materials is also not very practical or cost effective. Some of these biomass materials will have a moisture content as high as 50%. So in essence transporting this material means half of the transportation costs are spent on moving water. When biomass is promoted as a green fuel with low carbon emissions, unnecessary transportation is the biggest drawback to biomass energy resources.

Biomass Pellets and Wood Pellet Fuel

Therefore what is answer? Well, in many cases processing the biomass into pellets for biomass combustion is the most practical and affordable solution. A pellet is a highly compressed form of the biomass material into a uniform size and shape with a moisture content below 10%. This gives the biomass completely different combustion characteristics, and means that many different types of biomass resources can be used in one system designed to burn pellets.

Currently the biomass pellet fuel market is dominated by wood pellets, and not only wood pellets but premium wood pellets. This was to generate a pellet fuel which produced the least ash content possible to try and compete with oil and gas systems in terms of maintenance. The resources used to produce premium fuel pellets are definitely a valid energy source, they cannot meet the future potential pellet fuel market demands. Therefore more different grades of wood and other biomass fuel pellets will grown in demand.

Biomass Burner and Biomass Boilers

Biomass combustion solutions have been traditionally basic log stoves, however pellets bring all new possibilities. Pellet burners can automatically feed pellets into the fire, and even ignite the fire on demand controlled through a standard wall thermostat. A full pellet burner hopper can last for several days, and with a large ash draw the combustion unit may only need attention once a week to clean out the ashes.

Biomass Pellet Mill and Pellet Production

The process of making pellets is subject many people are interested in, however there is very little detailed information available on the facts and details on pellet production. The central piece of equipment in pellet plant is the pellet mill. However there are several different designs of pellet mill, and not all are suitable for each raw material, and may require modification.

Biomass Pellet Mill Guide

The Wood Pellet Production Guide © PelHeat Ltd - Biomass Combustion