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.

Keywords

Wood chip storage; Dry matter losses; Terminal storage

Published in

Biomass and Bioenergy
2021, volume: 154, article number: 106255
Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Authors' information