ALTERNATIVE SOLID FUEL TECHNOLOGY Presented By Eugene Gala, P.Eng.
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION Alternative Biomass Fuel Biomass Combustion System Design Features Biomass System Applications Conclusions
PRAIRIE BIO-ENERGY OUR MISSION To utilize biomass as a renewable source of energy, by collecting and processing biomass into a solid fuel to offset fossil fuel usage. OUR FACILITY RAW PRODUCT FINISHED PRODUCT STORAGE PRODUCT COOLER TO CUSTOMER PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
PRAIRIE BIO-ENERGY OUR PRODUCT BEFORE LOOSE BIOMASS AFTER SOLID BIOMASS With an energy content of approx. 7500 BTU (British Thermal Unit) per pound, this fuel is higher (in energy) than Lignite coal. The bio-cubes have an average density of 30 pounds per cubic foot and a moisture content of 8-10%. Biomass fuel cube bio-cube is designed to replace the use of Coal, Propane and Natural Gas in certain applications.
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PBE is constantly investigating new biomass based materials that could be used as a solid fuel. Various feed stocks are presently being evaluated including: Wheat, Flax, Hemp, and Canola straws. Corn Stover Wheat Straw
VARIOUS BIOMASS FUELS Biomass Fuel Availability Wood Chips Wood Shavings Wood Pellets Ag Base Biomass Bio Cubes Wood Chips Flax Shive Ag Cubes Flax shive Corn stalks Sunflower stalks Wheat/Barley Straw Screenings
BIOMASS COMBUSTION SYSTEM DESIGN COMPONENTS 3 Pass Type C Firebox Boiler Stoker Base with chain grate Combustion and Over Fire Air Twin/Multi Screw Fuel Conveyor Automated Ash Removal System PLC Control Panel with Color Touch Screen Automated Soot Blower Multi Cyclone Dust Collector
BOILER DESIGN FEATURES ASME Boiler Code Certification 3-Pass full wet back design for maximum durability and efficiency Type C boiler design has a large combustion volume for improved efficiency Open furnace bottom for stoker installation Hinged furnace access door for gas/oil burner installation Abundant heat transfer surface per boiler horsepower Flush out and inspection openings are 3x4 inch hand-hole type. Covered with mineral insulation and steel jacket
STOKER DESIGN FEATURES Stoker basic features: Sufficient height for maximum combustion volume Hi temperature insulation and refractory Combustion and over-fire air system Automated ash removal Chain-grate design
CHAIN GRATE DESIGN FEATURES ADVANTAGES The system provides a large grate area to assure a complete combustion of the solid fuel. (i.e. a 100 BHP stoker has 10FT^2 of grate area) Moving grate, made of cast iron links, eliminates clinkers formation Combination of air passing through the fuel bed (combustion air) and over-fire air (secondary air) provides turbulence required for rapid and complete combustion of any solid fuel.
CONTROL PANEL FEATURES Allan Bradley PLC with 8" Color Touch Screen All motor controls (including VFDs) Temperature Controller with PID loop Audible alarm c/w phone dialler Photohelic gauge for Furnace Vacuum control Interface with Office Computer Interface via Internet or Modem CSA Approved
BIOMASS STORAGE/DELIVERY WALKING FLOOR SYSTEM Wood Chips Wood Shavings Flax Shive STORAGE BIN SYSTEM Wood Pellets Oat Hulls Pellets
BIOMASS COMBUSTION SYSTEMS Flax Shive Storage Flax Shive Feed System Combustion System Grate Wall of Fire
BIOMASS SYSTEM APPLICATIONS District Heating System in Manitoba District Heating System Schools Kiln Dryers Greenhouses Dairy Barns Hog Barns Poultry Farms Large Industrial Buildings Industrial Dryers Steam Generation CHP (Combined Heat & Power) System
CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEM Biomass Storage Boiler Room Boiler System Boiler Room Piping Chicken Barns School Hog Barn Church Houses Boiler Room Kitchen Shops Houses Truck Wash Hot Water Distribution
Heat Exchanger CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEM Boiler Room Hot Water Distribution In-Floor Heat Barn Piping
CONCLUSIONS Over 120 Installations in North America 26 Systems in operation in Manitoba Designed to burn various biomass fuels Process steam and Hot Water applications Capability of heating multiple buildings A Solid investment in reducing high fuel cost and GHG emissions.