biomass is changing rapidly; however, it is still a common belief that it takes more energy to deliver forest biomass than it is worth. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Through our studies and energy balance assessments with Feric’s BiOS model, we can determine the litres of fuel consumed to deliver a dry tonne of hogged biomass from roadside residues. The balance is quite dramatic; the en- ergy value in the biomass is 30 to 40 times the energy content of the total fuel consumed in the pre-piling, chipping, and trucking. Myth #2: Biomass is free. This is another common perception, espe- cially to prospective bio-ventures from outside the forestry business. They believe that there is a lot of biomass around, virtually free, and ripe for the picking. It is true that roadside resi- dues are an attractive biomass-supply option, but there has already been an investment in bringing them to roadside, and if they are to be used effi ciently, more care must be given to their handling. Roadside residues must also be consolidated (pre-piled) to improve the effi ciency of the com- minution phase. To facilitate transportation, handling, and use, residues must be chipped at The Ultimate Fuelwood Chippers WHY? Our patented Cone Drum design is more efficient: Not because we say it: Because our customers prove it where it counts: in the field - every day. roadside and then hauled a long distance to the plant. Delivered costs of $50 to $60 per oven- dry tonne will be typical, dictated primarily by travel distance. Other costs must also be consid- ered such as forest management charges, road use and maintenance, etc. This brings us to the need to develop more effi cient supply chains for the harvest and deliv- ery of forest biomass. At the present time, most operations are experimental in nature and costs should decrease based on experience. However, I would also argue that the price of forest-origin biomass may rise: a simple matter of supply and demand. There are two other factors. First, the cost of biomass is primarily determined by travel distance, and if the volume rises dramatically, we will have to go further to get it. Second, current operations are leaving behind the more difficult and smaller blocks where the costs would be higher to recover the biomass. If more volume is needed, these blocks will have to be accessed. 10 KEYS TO SUCCESS Feric considers the following 10 factors to be the cornerstones of an effi cient supply system for forest biomass. 1. The mill determines the types of biomass changing rapidly; however, it is still a common belief that it takes more energy to deliver forest biomass than it is worth. N ass is changing rapidly; however, it is still a common belief that it takes more energy to deliver forest biomass than it is worth. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Through our studies and energy balance assessments with Feric’s BiOS model, we can determine the litres of fuel consumed to deliver a dry tonne of hogged biomass from roadside residues. The balance is quite dramatic; the en- ergy value in the biomass is 30 to 40 times the energy content of the total fuel consumed in the pre-piling, chipping, and trucking. Myth #2: Biomass is free. This is another common perception, espe- cially to prospective bio-ventures from outside the forestry business. They believe that there is a lot of biomass around, virtually free, and ripe for the picking. It is true that roadside resi- dues are an attractive biomass-supply option, but there has already been an investment in bringing them to roadside, and if they are to be used effi ciently, more care must be given to their handling. Roadside residues must also be consolidated (pre-piled) to improve the effi ciency of the com- minution phase. To facilitate transportation, handling, and use, residues must be chipped at The Ultimate Fuelwood Chippers WHY? Our patented Cone Drum design is more efficient: Not because we say it: Because our customers prove it where it counts: in the field - every day. roadside and then hauled a long distance to the plant. Delivered costs of $50 to $60 per oven- dry tonne will be typical, dictated primarily by travel distance. Other costs must also be consid- ered such as forest management charges, road use and maintenance, etc. This brings us to the need to develop more effi cient supply chains for the harvest and deliv- ery of forest biomass. At the present time, most operations are experimental in nature and costs should decrease based on experience. However, I would also argue that the price of forest-origin biomass may rise: a simple matter of supply and demand. There are two other factors. First, the cost of biomass is primarily determined by travel distance, and if the volume rises dramatically, we will have to go further to get it. Second, current operations are leaving behind the more difficult and smaller blocks where the costs would be higher to recover the biomass. If more volume is needed, these blocks will have to be accessed. 10 KEYS TO SUCCESS Feric considers the following 10 factors to be the cornerstones of an effi cient supply system for forest biomass. 1. The mill determines the types of biomass that that can be used, and in the end, the over- all effi ciency of the process 2. Use simple and fl exible supply systems 3. Choose and tailor equipment for the job of recovering forest biomass 4. The comminution-truck interface is a key balance point 5. Consider your trucking options 6. Pre-pile to improve effi ciency and value 7. Minimize storage of comminuted biomass 8. Plan for buffer capacity in the system, and use it to increase value 9. Put a management system in place to monitor and reward energy value 10. Last but not least, integrate conventional harvesting practices with the residue re- covery operation I will deal with these factors in detail in further issues. In closing, I stress that barring a dramatic rise in the value of forest biomass, the emerging forest-based bioeconomy will con- tinue to rely on a strong and integrated primary forest industry. • Mark Ryans is with FPInnovations – Feric Division. He can be reached at [email protected]. This column will be a regular feature in Canadian Biomass. More Tons Per Gallon - More Tons Per H.P. Bio-mass is profitable if you’ve got the right equipment and we at Dynamic understand that. Processing low value residuals requires specialized machinery that is easy to work with, mobile, and inexpensive to operate. We have 5 models built specifically for that purpose with more on the way. Call today to find out how you can profitably capitalize on the new and varied fuel markets, and how our technology is meeting those markets. www.dynamicmfgcorp.com 5059 W. Weidman Rd. P.O. Box 39 Weidman, MI 48893 Phone: (989) 644-8109 - Fax: (989) 644-6697 30 CanadianBIOMASS DECEMBER 2008
Canadian Biomass December 2008: Page 30
