Methodology for quickly determining the quality of pellets

Abstract

A methodology for quickly and easy determination the quality of pellets offered on the market is developed on the basis of "theory of graphs". The pellet quality assessment is performed in two ways - by direct control (non-destructive measurements) and by combustion. The following pellets parameters are determined at the direct control stage: friability, homogeneity, presence of dark stains and moisture content. The experimental measurement of following parameters of the combustion process is carried out at the stage of pellet burning assessment under real conditions: temperature in the combustion chamber, time for complete combustion of the pellets and the amount of ash after pellets combustion. The calorific value of the tested pellets is determined on the basis of the experimentally obtained parameters of the combustion process. The the obtained parameters values are statistically processed according to the described in the paper equations at the next stage. Then the results for the investigated pellet parameters are compared with the normative values. The proposed methodology could be calibrated by experimental determining the calorific value of investigated pellets by a calorimeter. Practical application of this methodology is that by not so complicated measurements and calculations the required amount of pellets for heating a building with a certain energy consumption for heating season could be determined.