With increased push towards sustainability, many industries are redefining how they fuel their processes. Some companies are shifting toward biomass pellets as a cleaner and more sustainable way to power their operations.
However, when it comes to alternative fuel, it is not just replacing one source of heat with another. It entails planning, compatibility, and a long-term perspective.
Now, here is what you want to consider before placing that bulk order.
Table of Contents
The type of fuel
There is a variety of types of biomass pellets in the market. Each has varying amounts of energy, moisture, ash production, and combustion characteristics. Here are some examples:
- Wood pellets are cheap and uniform in distribution.
- Black pellets are water-resistant and have higher energy density. They are also torrefied.
- Palm kernel shells and agricultural waste pellets potentially cost less. However, they can vary in quality. In addition, they may require special combustion systems.
Your furnace or boiler should support the fuel you select. Some industrial burners are more fuel-sensitive than others.
Efficiency and calorific value
Pellets do not burn the same way. What you need is a high-calorific-value (CV) fuel, that is, a fuel with lots of energy per kilogram. An example of these is black pellets that have a greater CV than standard wood pellets. However, they can be more expensive.
If you use low-quality pellets with high moisture content or ash content, you may have to burn more to produce the same heat. This means you have lost the cost/carbon benefit.
A reputable alternative fuel supplier should provide you with a technical data sheet (TDS). It should explain the:
- Calorific value
- Moisture content
- Ash content, and
- Bulk density
…of the fuel type.
Supply chain and storage
Is this fuel available to all throughout the year? For example, agricultural pellets might be seasonal. Some suppliers import Palm kernel shells, which might be affected by trade policies or port delays.
Consider storage, too. Biomass pellets must stay dry and ventilated. Non-torrefied pellets may degrade or even self-combust in moist environments. In case you have high volumes to handle, you may need to invest in covered silos, conveyors, or fire protective systems.
Cost vs. value
The cost per ton matters, but it is not the entire analysis. A low-priced pellet with less energy output can end up costing you more in the long run. Consider the:
- Burn rate.
- Cost of maintenance. For example, cleaning and ash removal.
- Lost production due to fluctuation in fuel quality.
It might be worth considering how much it costs you per useful energy rather than only the pricetag on delivery.
Environmental and compliance aspects
You are using biomass to cut your carbon footprint. So, purchase certified sustainable fuel. Check for certifications such as ENplus, FSC, or SBP that guarantee that the pellets are derived responsibly.
You should also look at your local emissions regulations. Certain jurisdictions restrict the emission of particles or include emissions monitoring systems. This is particularly true in the case of agricultural waste or mixed biomass burning.
Summing up
Biomass pellets are a powerful source of cleaner energy. But the key to using this energy source lies in selecting the right combination of biomass pellets and a reliable supply chain to suit your needs.
