Abstract
A developed bioeconomy needs better storage methods for wood chips and forest industry by-products, since increasing demands for more assortments, more storage will be necessary Today, solutions for coping with storage-related problems, such as dry matter losses and risk of self-ignition, are based on separating assortments into smaller piles and avoiding large-scale long-term storage of chips. A safe and efficient storage solution is needed to enable wood chip production all year round and not be limited to just-in-time production during the cold heating season when there is a large demand. This might result in a more robust system with larger buffer capacities, a less stressful working environment for chipping and transport contractors, and a better yearly machine utilisation.This study evaluated storage outcomes for wood chips and bark when using an improved storage design that created assortment separation using concrete walls and a semipermeable sheet for cover. The new design enabled efficient area utilisation and increased fire safety. The storage outcome was also improved in terms of moisture content, dry matter losses and temperature development compared to conventional open-air piles.
Highlights
There is a need to replace fossil fuels with sustainable resources during the transition to a carbon negative society
There is an untapped potential from woody residues produced by the forestry and forest industry i.e. materials not seen as a primary product but left to decompose instead
Woody residues can be seen as a resource that is in the wrong place at the wrong time, so an efficient supply chain is needed to rectify this and unlock the full potential
Summary
There is a need to replace fossil fuels with sustainable resources during the transition to a carbon negative society. The forest industry generates by-products all year round which, when demand is low, need to be stored before being transported to end-users This is a less-than-ideal situation, especially considering that fuel demand often changes at short notice as an effect of the outdoor temperature. A way to address the seasonal factor and increase the supply chain robustness at the same time is to introduce large-scale storage of wood chips at terminals. This buffer in the system eases the situation for contractors as it allows for better and more robust utilisation of staff and machines.
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