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Delivery and storage of biomass fuels
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Key issues
There are two principal differences between the way a supply of biomass must be handled compared with mains gas:
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A sufficient reserve of biomass fuel must be stored at the point of usage
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Delivery must be arranged and scheduled.
Compared with heating oil, there is the fact that biomass is of significantly lower energy density and so a larger store is required.
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Storing biomass
With high density modern housing, making space available for a fuel store is often not easy.
For a primary central heating system for a domestic house a fuel store of at least 5-6 m
3
is recommended, preferably larger for wood chips. This may require filling once or twice a year for pellets, or four to six times for wood chips.
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Solid and wet biomass fuels are of relatively low energy density, compared with fossil alternatives, and consequently large volumes are typically required to be stored and transported, both into the storage receptacle and from it to the energy conversion equipment.
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Factors to consider
Biomass does not generally flow as freely as oil or natural gas.
It will usually absorb moisture if exposed to it.
It may naturally biodegrade in storage through a number of mechanisms, particularly if not absolutely dry. This will lead to loss of energy content and potentially the formation of moulds, the spores of which can be dangerous if inhaled.
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Design of the storage facility
The storage of biomass must be well designed and constructed for a number of functions.
It must keep the fuel in good condition, particularly protecting it from moisture.
It must also be possible to deliver the fuel into an appropriate receptacle for transport, and convey it from there to its next destination conveniently and efficiently and requiring the minimum of additional energy input.
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Delivery of biomass
It must also be easy to deliver fuel into the store. This typically requires both vehicular access and a convenient way to transfer the fuel from the delivery lorry into the store.
The simplest method is often tipping, and this may require either that the store is fully or partially underground, or that there is convenient ramp access. Wood pellets can be delivered pneumatically down a pipe, over distances of up to 30 m, from specially designed lorries, however these are not yet widespread in the UK.
Scheduling fuel deliveries is a new consideration for those used to natural gas. Not only does this mean having to be aware of the level of fuel in the store and ensuring there will be a delivery before it runs out, but it also means having to identify a suitable local supplier.
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KALWA Biogenics Inc. is proud partner of:
Energy from
Wood Presentation
Alberta Wood
Energy Report
KALWA's Project Planning Guide
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