Transportation Of Pellets Research Articles

Evaluating the efficacy of coconut oil as thermal storage media for enhancing solar drying performance of wood fuels

The appropriate storage, transportation, and utilization of wood-based fuels, including woodchips, pellets, and sawdust, in the energy production process, depends on their efficient drying. Traditional drying methods include limitations such as high thermal losses, inefficient heat transfer, and sustainability issues. These barriers, coupled with the high costs and complexities of maintaining the desired moisture content, underscore the need for innovative solutions. This study introduces a novel approach to wood fuel drying through the integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) with hybrid solar drying systems, aimed at enhancing thermal efficiency and sustainability. Employing coconut oil as the PCM, experiments were performed under a consistent artificial radiation of 755 W m−2. The hybrid system demonstrated the capability to retain approximately 200 watts of useful heat for three hours post-radiation, marking a significant improvement in heat storage. Our findings reveal peak thermal and exergy efficiencies of 30–35% and 13–14%, respectively. An economic and environmental analysis predicts a system lifespan of five years, with the cost of generating one kilogram of hot air at 0.0058 EUR and an annual CO2 emission of 64.09 kg. This research offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for wood fuel drying, presenting a significant advancement for large-scale producers and setting a benchmark for further exploration of wood fuel drying technologies.

Composite Granular Fuel

Currently, the topical trend in the development of energy complexes in a number of countries is the expansion of the solid fuel use, which is largely provided by the use of various types of local renewable fuels. The latter often have high thermal properties (heat of combustion, ash content, etc.), but have low or poorly predicted physical and mechanical characteristics (strength, granulometric composition, etc.). These circumstances practically make stable and efficient operation of automation systems, mechanization of transportation of pellets, and technological processes of boilers impossible. The formation of a composite fuel with specified physical and mechanical properties provides a solution to this problem. The structure of the composite fuel based on peat, sawdust, cellulose and modifier was established at the previous stages of our work. However, in case of a given composition, the physical and mechanical characteristics depend on the operating and technological conditions for obtaining granules. In this paper, a statistical and experimental study was carried out aimed at finding rational technological conditions for granulating and drying composite fuel particles with a given mass ratio of components. To prepare fuel pellets of a given size from the initial fine-fraction components, a laboratory installation was used, the main elements of which were a Z-shaped mixer, a screw granulator, and a fixed bed dryer. The influence of independent variables on the strength and final moisture content of finished pellets of composite fuel was determined within the framework of a full factor experiment. The paper presents graphical images of response surfaces characterizing the specified influence of variable factors. The obtained regression dependences describing the influence of factors on the target properties of granules are linear in nature. The latter limits the possibility of using gradient optimization methods and creates the need to search for rational conditions, taking into account the limitations caused by the technical and economic parameters of obtaining finished fuel pellets.

JUSTIFICATION OF THE NEED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SPECIALIZED WAGON FOR TRANSPORTATION OF IRON ORE PELLETS

The type and characteristics of such cargo as iron ore pellets are described. The manufacturing technique of iron ore pellets at the mining processing plant is given. The process of transporting iron ore pellets along the main tracks of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" to the consumers of these products was considered using the example of PJSC "Poltava Mining and Processing Plant". It has been established that iron ore pellets are transported on the main railway tracks by one of the following types of freight wagons: universal gondola cars with a hollow-bottom body or discharge doors, specialized hopper wagons for the transportation of pellets and agglomerate and mainline dump cars. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of the use of the specified types of freight wagons was carried out according to such technical and economic indicators (criteria) as tare weight, carrying capacity, car body volume, material intensity, specific volume, dimensions, service life time, overhaul life, tare loading coefficient, coefficient body capacity utilization, running load, cost, life cycle cost. It was determined that the most rational option for the transportation of iron ore pellets is the use of a universal gondola car. Further research should be directed to the development of a standard-sized series of specialized freight wagons with increased linear load and improved technical and economic indicators for the transportation of iron ore pellets based on a universal gondola car. The content of the article will contribute to the rational choice of freight rolling stock for the transportation of such kinds of cargo as iron ore pellets on mainline railways.

Designing an ultrasonic array device to transport space particle suspension

Space particle suspension transport has the advantages to avoid adsorption loss, contact pollution, and signal interference, and has potential applications in the fields of cell self-assembly, controllable distribution of nanoparticles, and micro-Led mass transfer. Here, an ultrasonic array device was developed to obtain space particle levitation transport, and explore the suspension mechanism of the specific impact of the modulation signal on the space transmission and the mechanism of using the phase modulation signal to control the opposed linear transducer array to realize the space transportation. The suspension and directional transportation of ultrasonic standing waves are both non-contact and important means for processing without a certain container, and have a very broad application prospect in the fields of mechanical manufacturing, biochemical trace analysis, and droplet dynamics and so on. In this paper, aiming at the imperfect mechanism of space transportation and the complicated method of space transportation, we propose a new method of using phase modulation signals to control the array of opposite linear transducers to realize the space transportation of solid pellets. The transportation acceleration is used to characterize the stationarity in the transportation process, and the specific deviations of different phases of the modulation signal are set, so that the curves of acceleration change and position change of solid pellets in the transportation cycle can be drawn. The results show that when the phase deviation is <i>π</i>/2, it is the best to realize the stability of lateral transportation. When the phase deviation of coaxial array elements is set to <i>π</i> in longitudinal transportation, stable and long-distance transportation based on cycle period can be realized. The parametric model of 3D finite element is established, and the specific distribution of instantaneous sound pressure of dynamic sound field in space transportation is simulated. By comparing the experimental phenomena with different simulation results, we can find that the transportation process of solid balls is in good agreement with the movement of sound pressure nodes in sound field.

Computer modeling of the temperature resistance of the load-bearing structure of the hopper car

This article describes the results of computer modeling of temperature resistance of the hopper car load-bearing structure. For this purpose, a spacious model of load-bearing structure of an opera-car in SolidWorks program complex was created. As a prototype the hopper car model 20-9749 was used, which was built by "Ukrspetsvagon" and is intended for transportation of pellets and hot sinter. Calculation of the strength of the load-bearing structure of the operating car was carried out by the method of concatenated elements, which is implemented in the program complex CosmosWorks. When creating the design scheme, the temperature impact of the transported cargo on the inner surface of the hopper body was taken into account. The results of the calculation showed that the maximum equivalent loads in the load-bearing structure of the hopper car is about 340 MPa and is located in the area of interaction between the backbone beam with the kingpin. The maximum load in the load-bearing structure of the opera-car, which is caused by temperature pressure, occurs in the vertical struts and hump and amounts to 335 MPa, which is 3% lower than the load of the plinth of the material of the structure. The influence of temperature load on the indicators of load-bearing capacity of opera-car structure has been determined. It was found that this dependence is linear. The maximum equivalent loads at a temperature of transported cargo at 700°C are more or less equal to the plinth of the material of the structure. With a slight increase in the temperature impact on the supporting structure of its strength indicators will not be ensured. Therefore, there is a need to improve the load-bearing structure of the opera car to ensure its durability in operation. The conducted research will contribute to the creation of guidelines for the design of modern designs of freight cars with improved technical and economical indicators

Influence on off-gassing during storage of Scots pine wood pellets produced from sawdust with different extractive contents

Off-gassing and self-heating are the major challenges when it comes to transportation and storage of wood pellets. The heat generated due to self-heating poses a fire risk while off-gassing of toxic gasses such as carbon monoxide (CO) and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is an environmental and human health risk. With the increase in production volumes of wood pellets which has subsequently increased the amounts of wood pellets in transportation and storage, there is need to find lasting solutions to off-gassing and self-heating of wood pellets. The objective of this study was to test the off-gassing abilities of Scots pine wood pellets produced from sawdust with varying amounts of extractives. The aim is to come up with raw material pre-treatment measures so as to produce wood pellets that are not liable to off-gassing. Six (6) types of sawdust raw materials namely; fresh pine sawdust (FPS), stored pine sawdust (SPS), sawdust plus pine rosin (PRS), sawdust plus linseed oil (LOS), sawdust plus tall oil (TOS) and acetone extracted sawdust (AES) were used to produce the pellets. The produced pellets were then subjected to off-gassing tests under controlled conditions using the ECOM J2KN analyser. The concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane increased with storage time but slowed down towards the end of the nine days test period. The formation of these gasses were largely dependent on the type of extractives present in the raw material and not the total extractive content. The formation of methane started later than the other gases and coincided with the time when residual oxygen was depleted.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Wood Flour and Pellets for Manufacturing Wood-Plastic Composites (WPCs)

This study is expanding the previous studies that were focused on the material properties and transportation costs of the two alternative feedstocks for manufacturing wood-plastic composites (WPCs): wood flour and pellets. Besides the material properties and cost analysis, life-cycle assessment (LCA) is equally important to assess the environmental impacts of these two alternative wood feedstocks to manufacture WPCs and gain the knowledge of influences from the manufacturing and transportation processes. The main goal of this study was to compare the environmental impacts from the production and transportation of wood flour and pellets utilized in WPC manufacture. The environmental impacts on air, water, soil and human health, as well as the cumulated energy consumption for one tonne and one truckload of the two wood feedstocks were compared. The case-study was based on a commercial wood pellet manufacturer in the state of Maine (ME). The cradle-to-gate approach was considered including the processing of mill residues, manufacturing of the two feedstocks and transporting them to commercial WPC manufacturers. LCA analysis showed that transportation of both feedstocks had the highest impact on the environment as opposed to the inputs associated with production. The global warming potential (GWP) from one tonne production and shipment of wood flour was higher by 8% compared to the pellets. One tonne production and shipment of wood pellets appears more environmentally friendly. Normalization results of one truck load of wood flour (22 tonnes) and pellets (30 tonnes) showed similar environmental impacts. Based on this study, from an environmental perspective, it is inferred that besides use as bio-fuels, wood pellets could be a better alternative feedstock for the manufacture of WPCs.

Transportation cost analysis on alternative wood feedstocks for manufacturing wood-plastic composites

This study evaluated and analyzed transportation costs for manufacturing wood-plastic composites (WPCs) using wood flour and wood pellet feedstocks. The study area ranged from Maine (ME) to Massachusetts (MA) in the Northeast region of the United States (US). Wood mills in ME were the raw material providers, and the WPC manufacturers in ME and MA were the destinations. The methodologies included the Origin-Destination (OD) cost matrix feature in ArcGIS to find least-cost pathways from each facility to each destination; baseline scenarios based on trucking costs, travel distances, and wood feedstocks; and sensitivity analyses to study the effects of fluctuating input variables (travel distance, shipment weight, and shipping costs over distance) to the shipping costs by weight. Accordingly, the best and worst-case scenarios were identified. The OD-cost matrix showed that shipping feedstocks from southern ME required shorter travel distances than from other regions because of proximity. Transporting wood pellets in a truck would reduce shipping costs by at least 25% compared to wood flour. The shipping costs by weight were inversely related to the shipment weight. The shipment weight of wood pellets was higher than flour in a truck trailer with fixed volume. It is foreseen that the transportation of wood pellets as opposed to wood flour would be economical.

Comparative Study on Quality of Fuel Pellets from Switchgrass Treated with Different White-Rot Fungi

Fungal pretreatment of switchgrass using Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PC), Trametes versicolor 52J (TV52J), and the Trametes versicolor mutant strain (m4D) under solid-state fermentation was conducted to improve its pellet quality. For all three fungal strains, the fermentation temperature had a significant effect (p &lt; 0.05) on pellet unit density and tensile strength. The p-values of the quadratic models for all the response variables showed highly significant regression models (p &lt; 0.01) except for dimensional stability. In addition, 3.1-fold and 2.8-fold increase in pellet tensile strength were obtained from P. chrysosporium- and T. versicolor 52J-treated materials, respectively. Microstructural examination showed that fungal pretreatment reduced pores in the pellets and enhanced pellet particle bonding. Among the fungal strains, PC had the shortest optimum fermentation time (21 d) and most positive impact on the pellet tensile strength and hydrophobicity. Therefore, switchgrass pretreatment using PC has the potential for resolving the challenges of switchgrass pellet transportation and storage and reducing the overall pelletization cost. However, a detailed comparative technoeconomic analysis would be required to make definitive cost comparisons.

STUDY OF LOADING OF THE LOAD-BEARING STRUCTURE OF HOPPER WAGONS ON Y25 BOGIES

To increase the efficiency of using railway transport, the possibility of using new designs of bogies, for example, Y25 under "wide gauge" wagons was considered. In order to substantiate the proposed solution, mathematical modeling of the dynamic loading of the hopper wagon Y25 bogies was carried out. A hopper wagon for the transportation of pellets and hot sinter model 20-9749 built by the State Enterprise "Ukrspetsvagon" (Ukraine) was chosen as a prototype. The simulation results showed that the use of Y25 bogies for hopper wagons allows to reduce the acceleration of its load-bearing structure, in comparison with the use of conventional 18100 bogies, by 36 %. Other performance indicators are also significantly improved.&#x0D; The use of Y25 bogies for hopper wagons with actual parameters allows to reduce the acceleration of its load-bearing structure, in comparison with the use of conventional 18100 bogies, by 28 %.&#x0D; The determination of the main indicators of the strength of the bearing structure of the hopper wagon Y25 bogie was carried out. The calculation was carried out in the SolidWorks Simulation software package (CosmosWorks), (France), which implements the finite element method. The calculations showed that the maximum equivalent stresses in the load-bearing structure of a hopper wagon with nominal parameters are 17 % lower than the stress acting in the load-bearing structure of a wagon on bogies 18–100 V of the load-bearing structure of a hopper wagon with actual parameters, the maximum equivalent stresses are 12 % lower per voltage in the load-bearing structure on bogies 18100.&#x0D; The conducted research will help to reduce the load on the load-bearing structures of hopper wagons in operation, improve the dynamics and strength indicators, as well as their service life

Large-scale transportation and storage of wood pellets: Investigation of the change in physical properties

The change in physical properties of wood pellets, with a focus on particle size distributions due to pellet breakage and attrition, was studied in a large-scale (∼450ton/h) transportation system. Critical locations with a high probability of breakage through the whole transportation system were chosen and sampled to study the effect of transportation system design and operation on the mechanical properties of pellets. Bulk density, mechanical durability, moisture content, and particle size distribution of pellets were characterized for each sample. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences between the percentages of small particles (< 5.6mm) in the samples taken at different locations, especially at one with a vertical free fall of 7.8m. On average, this relatively long drop increased the proportion of particles < 5.6mm in the samples from 8.73% to 14.09%, and that of particles < 3.15mm from 4.82% to 9.01%. Moreover, the measurements showed a wide deviation in the mechanical durability values, between a minimum of 90.8% and a maximum of 98.7%, which were not correlated to the sampling points but related to pellet properties. It can be concluded that pellet transportation systems require more dedicated design strategies to prevent breakage and attrition.

Breakage behavior of biomass pellets: an experimental and numerical study

The presence and generation of fines and dust in the bulk of biomass pellets have inflicted several problems in the supply chain during transportation and storage, and the breakage behavior of pellets has been scarcely studied so far. Fines and dust are the consequences of impact and abrasive forces through the whole supply chain; however, the breakage happens at the particle level. Therefore, to study the fines generation, first, the breakage behavior of individual pellets should be understood, and then, the behavior of the bulk materials in operational conditions can be investigated. This paper aims to investigate the breakage behavior of individual pellets under experimental compression tests and to introduce a calibrated numerical model using discrete element method (DEM) in order to pave the way for further studies on pellet breakage. For that purpose, seven different types of biomass pellets were studied experimentally, and then, a calibrated model was introduced via the Timoshenko–Ehrenfest beam theory using DEM. Results show that the model could reasonably predict the breakage behavior of pellets under uniaxial and diametrical compressions. The findings could help to develop a new design of the equipment for transportation and handling of biomass pellets with the aim to reduce the amount of generating fines and dust.

Determination of off-gassing and self-heating potential of wood pellets – Method comparison and correlation analysis

Several methods for identifying the phenomena of self-heating and off-gassing during production, transportation and storage of wood pellets have been developed in recent years. Research focused on the exploration of the underlying mechanisms, influencing factors or the quantification of self-heating or off-gassing tendencies. The present study aims at identifying a clear correlation between self-heating and off-gassing. Thus, different methods for determining self-heating and off-gassing potentials of wood pellets are compared. Therefore, eleven wood pellet batches from the European market were analyzed. For this investigation, three methods for the determination of self-heating, like isothermal calorimetry, oxi-press and thermogravimetric analysis, and four methods for off-gassing, like volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions measurements, gas phase analysis of stored pellets in a closed container by offline and by glass flask method and determination of fatty and resin acids content, were performed. Results were ranked according to the self-heating and off-gassing tendency providing a common overview of the analyzed pellets batches. Relations between different methods were investigated by Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Evaluation of the results revealed an equal suitability of offline and glass flask methods to predict off-gassing tendency and indicated a very significant correlation with isothermal calorimetry for the identification of self-heating tendency. The thermogravimetric analysis as well as the fatty and resin acids determination proved to be insufficient for the exclusive assessment of self-heating and off-gassing tendency, respectively.

Effect of biomass characteristics on durability of Cassava stalk residues pellets

This study aims at investigating the effect of the main biomass characteristics (moisture content and particle size) on durability of Cassava stalk residues pellets. This durability is necessary to consider design of the material handling, processing equipment, storage and transportation of biomass pellets. The raw biomass materials were ground and screened into four range sizes and pelletization was done at three different percentage levels of moisture conditions defined as percentage of added water by mass of raw material. Pellets in each condition were analysed for durability. The result showed that the highest durability occurred in particle size 1.7 mm but less than 3.35 mm and 10% moisture content by mass of raw biomass material. The mean durability in the best conditions was 99.02%. This information is important for the design and efficient preparation of biomass material for pelletization to achieve the high quality pellets with high durability for handling, transportation and storage.

TO THE ISSUE OF EXTENDING THE SERVICE LIFE OF CARS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF PELLETS

Purpose. Freight rolling stock of «Ukrzaliznytsia» primarily has cars that are overaged. The same situation is observed in the park of specialized cars. So the car fleet for the transport of pellets consists of about 50% of cars that served one-and-a-half and more lifetimes. However, the volume of shipments of iron ore is constant for a number of years. In this regard, there is a need to find methods to justify continuing useful life of cars and to assess the conformity of residual life of the car body structure to operating load for an extended period of use. Methodology. When selecting the cars for the test their condition underwent technical diagnosis in order to identify the level of corrosion and mechanical damage. The next stages of the tests included the experimental determination of the loading level and the stress state of car body carcass based on strength and endurance tests and the evaluation of the possible values of the extended period of operation. Findings. Pre-test diagnosing of cars showed that the technical condition of cars for transportation of pellets, as a whole, is in satisfactory condition. Carried out static and impact strength tests with subsequent evaluation of strength of the car structural elements showed that the strength of the latter is provided in accordance with regulations and such cars do not threaten the traffic safety. Shock endurance tests have shown that all the cars have passed endurance tests with no damage that would impede testing and could not be removed during scheduled repairs. The cars had lifelength that allows prolong their useful life after one-and-a-half lifetime. Originality. The work presents the estimate of the residual life of bodies of pellet transportation cars, which spent one-and-a-half of the set lifetime. Practical value. The experimental results confirm the possibility of extending the service life of cars after one-and-a-half life of their lifetime. The results of the work can be used to extend the service life of cars for transportation of pellets. Part of the rolling stock, which had to be written off in connection with the expiration of the set one-and-a-half lifetime without additional measures can continue its lifetime.

Logging operations in pine stands in Belgium with additional harvest of woody biomass: yield, economics, and energy balance

Due to the enhanced demands for woody biomass, it is increasingly relevant to assess possibilities to harvest forest residues in addition to logs. Here, eight strategies for whole-tree harvesting from clearcuts and early thinnings of pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) stands in northern Belgium are evaluated. A detailed cost analysis using the machine-rate method was conducted along with scenario and sensitivity analyses of the variables affecting the harvesting cost. On average, we found much higher revenue for logs than for wood chips from forest residues. In clearcuts, a mobile chipper was more profitable than a roadside chipper. On the other hand, the harvesting cost of logs was higher for early thinnings than for clearcuts. However, the revenue remained higher than for chips, making the separate harvesting of logs and chips more cost effective than chipping whole trees. In the latter case, an excavator, a forwarder, and a roadside chipper were more cost effective than a harvester, a tractor with trailer, and a mobile chipper, respectively. Harvest of additional woody biomass required limited energy input compared with processing and intercontinental transportation of wood pellets. However, at present, we find very small profits from local additional biomass harvests. The low and fragmented forest cover and important sustainability issues further impede the development of a viable production sector in this region.

Hazards of Explosibility Dust from Wood Pellets

The main purpose of this publication is to determine minimal ignition temperature of dust cloud. The flammable and explosive dust is formed during the production, transport, storage and usage of the wood pallets. The examined samples in experimental part of the work were made from different kind of pallets. Contribution deals with analysis of fire and explosion hazards of dust particles generated during transportation and handling of wood pellets. Minimum ignition temperature of dust cloud were performed according to STN EN 50281-2-1. In terms of forensic approach, by using of selected methods, the conditions in which initiation and explosion of dust can be occurred were simulated the exposibility for wood pellets dust was tested under different condition using various pressures and various weight to samples. Defining the conditions in which the risk of formation of dangerous situation exists, helps to predict the fire and explosion in the premises where the pellets are used.

Technoeconomic analysis of wheat straw densification in the Canadian Prairie Province of Manitoba

This study presents a technoeconomic analysis of wheat straw densification in Canada’s prairie province of Manitoba as an integral part of biomass-to-cellulosic-ethanol infrastructure. Costs of wheat straw bale and pellet transportation and densification are analysed, including densification plant profitability. Wheat straw collection radius increases nonlinearly with pellet plant capacity, from 9.2 to 37km for a 2–35tonnesh−1 plant. Bales are cheaper under 250km, beyond which the cheapest feedstocks are pellets from the largest pellet plant that can be built to exploit economies of scale. Feedstocks account for the largest percentage of variable costs. Marginal and average cost curves suggest Manitoba could support a pellet plant up to 35tonnesh−1. Operating below capacity (75–50%) significantly erodes a plant’s net present value (NPV). Smaller plants require higher NPV break-even prices. Very large plants have considerable risk under low pellet prices and increased processing costs.

Effects of Headspace and Oxygen Level on Off-gas Emissions from Wood Pellets in Storage

Few papers have been published in the open literature on the emissions from biomass fuels, including wood pellets, during the storage and transportation and their potential health impacts. The purpose of this study is to provide data on the concentrations, emission factors, and emission rate factors of CO(2), CO, and CH(4) from wood pellets stored with different headspace to container volume ratios with different initial oxygen levels, in order to develop methods to reduce the toxic off-gas emissions and accumulation in storage spaces. Metal containers (45 l, 305 mm diameter by 610 mm long) were used to study the effect of headspace and oxygen levels on the off-gas emissions from wood pellets. Concentrations of CO(2), CO, and CH(4) in the headspace were measured using a gas chromatograph as a function of storage time. The results showed that the ratio of the headspace ratios and initial oxygen levels in the storage space significantly affected the off-gas emissions from wood pellets stored in a sealed container. Higher peak emission factors and higher emission rates are associated with higher headspace ratios. Lower emissions of CO(2) and CO were generated at room temperature under lower oxygen levels, whereas CH(4) emission is insensitive to the oxygen level. Replacing oxygen with inert gases in the storage space is thus a potentially effective method to reduce the biomass degradation and toxic off-gas emissions. The proper ventilation of the storage space can also be used to maintain a high oxygen level and low concentrations of toxic off-gassing compounds in the storage space, which is especially useful during the loading and unloading operations to control the hazards associated with the storage and transportation of wood pellets.

An environmental impact assessment of exported wood pellets from Canada to Europe

Abstract There have been increased interests on exporting wood pellets from Canada to Europe to meet the increased demand on biofuels in European countries. The wood pellet industry in Canada, especially in the west coastal region, has grown at an annual rate of more than 20% averaged over last 5 years due to the steady supply of wood residues. This paper attempted to analyze the fuel consumption and air emissions associated with the wood pellet production in British Columbia and export to Sweden based on a streamlined life cycle analysis, starting from tree harvesting for wood residue production to the shipping of wood pellets from Vancouver to Stockholm in Sweden. The results showed that about 7.2 GJ of energy is consumed for each tonne of wood pellets produced and shipped to Europe, representing about 39% of the total energy content of the wood pellets. Among those energies consumed over the life cycle, about 2.6 GJ is associated with long-distance ocean transportation. The ocean transportation is also the major contributor to environmental and health impacts, followed by the pellet production processes. The fossil fuel content, which quantifies the amount of fossil fuel consumed over the life cycle, for exported wood pellets ranged from 19% to 35%, depending on whether natural gas or wood residue is used in the drying operation during the wood pellet production stage. To reduce the fossil fuel content and the environmental impacts, wood residues should be used in the drying operation and, if possible, local market should be explored to reduce the energy consumption associated with wood pellet transportation over long distances.