Abstract
The research was conducted with the goal to determine the variability of the quality parameters of the wood chips produced from the most favorable raw material (energy roundwood), and in the most controllable operational conditions (pellet factory), as the first step in identifying opportunities to optimize the wood chips’ quality monitoring. Four raw material types were tested: fir/spruce and beech debarked energy roundwood, as well as energy wood with bark of the same species. Sampling was conducted during six consecutive months along with laboratory testing, all according to the HRN EN ISO standards for solid biofuels. Interpretation of the results was done in relation to deviation from the first sampling results (as an indicator of the possibility to retain the quality of wood chips), and repeatability and reproducibility set in the standards (as an indicator of acceptable variability). The influence of the species and debarking process on the wood chips’ quality was analyzed as well. Relative deviation from the first sampling as well as the quality class change pointed moisture content as a normative property with the lowest possibility to retain initial values over the six-month period. Ash content results indicated a strong possibility to maintain the initial ash content class in the majority of the samples. In just three cases, the results of ash content were outside the reproducibility limits with first sampling as a reference. Gross calorific value results pointed only four samples outside the reproducibility limits with the first sampling results are set as a reference. Wood species influenced gross calorific value and the median value of the particle size distribution and debarking showed a significant positive effect on the moisture content reduction as well as on the ash content reduction. Presented findings are indicative for the investigated raw materials, however for the general conclusion on the subject of wood chips normative properties variation, various raw material types will have to be examined in further research.
Highlights
IntroductionThe EU adopted its first package of climate and energy measures back in 2008, setting three key targets to be attained by 2020: 20% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels), 20% share of renewable energy, and 20% improvement in energy efficiency [1]
The research was conducted with the goal to determine the variability of the quality parameters of the wood chips produced from the most favorable raw material, and in the most controllable operational conditions, as the first step in identifying opportunities to optimize the wood chips’ quality monitoring
The results of ash content were outside the reproducibility limits with first sampling as a reference
Summary
The EU adopted its first package of climate and energy measures back in 2008, setting three key targets to be attained by 2020: 20% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels), 20% share of renewable energy, and 20% improvement in energy efficiency [1]. Experiences of the 2020 framework indicate that European and national targets can drive strong action by the Member States and growth in emerging industries [1]. Pellet production increased from 192,660 to 307,690 t [5], retaining strong export orientation, with the amount of export to EU Member States reaching 281,270 t in 2019 [5]
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