Wood Pellets Guide - Home Heating Alternative

With the pursuit to find a reliable source of energy other than non renewable energy such as fossil fuels, lots of studies and researches has been done through the years. Biofuels made from biomass (organic materials) have been proven to be an effective substitute. These biofuels are derived from biodegradable materials such as manures, plants, etc. Now, let us focus more on another effective organic material, the wood pellets.

In general, the very fine wood particles (sawdust) when compacted turn into wood pellets. These wood pellets are considered to be a form of wood fuel. Wood fuel, in its simplest explanation, is a fuel generated from wood. Wood pellets are normally the byproducts of sawing logs or woods by method of sawmilling. However, this can also be produced by any activities that involve transforming and cutting of woods.

Wood pellets are basically solid and consistently hard. With the pellets’ very low moisture content (humidity of 6 – 10%), they contain higher energy component that is likely comparable to high caliber coal. This would only means that their low humidity content saves a lot of energy that is needed to burn the amount of moist. These characteristics – a diameter of about 6 – 8mm, usually 2cm long, lower humidity and high density – allows the wood pellets to be automatically used in clean – burn heating appliances. Moreover, these attributes make the wood pellets highly effective as a burnable material.

In addition, since wood pellets are considered to be a biomass, then they should be environmental friendly. They release less emissions and ashes that could be detrimental to the surroundings. As mentioned, these pellets are compacted, thus they do not need a lot of space unlike any other type of wood fuel. This would also make it easier to ship even in long distance.

Not frequently used to manufacture pellets are similar organic materials such as straw, corn, etc. As a renewable material, wood pellets give the benefit of continuous energy supply. Moreover, woods and logs are not basically cut down to produce wood pellet but they are merely the byproduct of any wood processing activities. Also, pellets are actually waste materials, therefore utilizing them as an energy source would mean lessening the problem on waste disposal.

With the current situation, where the cost of fossil fuels is expected to continually rise, installation for more capable pellet heating systems resulted. From the year 1999, there have been numerous pellet stove models, heating furnaces and other form of heating machines that are widely distributed in the markets.

These stoves specifically designed for wood pellets are advantageous over other types of home heating systems. The usual wood stoves need more constant maintenance compared to wood pellet stoves. They are easy to operate and even more convenient than using traditional stoves. Though physically, they may look like the usual traditional stoves, however, they have microprocessor controls that ensure a clean and efficient fire.

As of 2005, the demand for wood pellets as a wood fuel has significantly increased due to costly fuels in different parts of the world.

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With the gaining popularity of wood pellets as a wood fuel, the manufacturers need to ensure that they are producing high quality wood pellets. The consumers must also at least know the essential properties of good wood pellets.Property # 1: Check the dimension. It should be small-sized wood pellet. Most wood pellets that are utilized as fuel have a diameter of about 6 – 8mm and a length of about 2cm. Furthermore, it should be uniform, regular and highly compacted. With this property, they can be easily stored and delivered. They will not take a lot of space. Also, they can be easily fed in an automated fuel handling system.

Property # 2: Know the moisture content. Remember that the lower the moisture content, the lower the need for energy to burn it off. The humidity of good quality wood pellets should be around 6-10%.

Property # 3: Ensure that they are mechanically durable. This means that high quality wood pellets can endure numerous handlings. They should withstand any kind of operation otherwise they would easily break and wear causing an increase on the number of fines in the pellets. Also, it is generally good when wood pellets can stand shipping even in long distance and time.

Property # 4: Check the amount of fines. The amount of fines would greatly influence the smoothness and easy flow of wood pellets in the boiler’s fuel feeder. The greater the amount of fines present in the wood pellets, the greater the likelihood of obstacle in the feeding system of boilers.

Moreover, minute particles burn faster compared to wood pellets. Thus, if numerous fine particles are found in the wood pellets, there is a big probability that they would generate unnecessary intense flame. The worst case scenario is it might lead to precipitation of ash that will demand cleaning the burner after cooling it off.

Currently, the manufacturers make it sure that the amount of fines should be at most 1%. It is checked time after time in the entire manufacturing process. Furthermore, to ensure that fewer fines are present in wood pellets, the producers measure it even at the last processing phase and screen it before distributing.

Property # 5: Know if additives are added. Preferably, the whole wood pellets should be natural. The chemicals or substances added would significantly influence the wood pellets’ emissions during combustion. Wood pellets are commonly produced from sawdust. Thus, a substance that must serves as a “binding agent” is necessary to hold them together and be compacted. Lignin, a natural component found in woods, serves this purpose. In any case those additives/chemicals are used, the quantity and type should be stated.

Property # 6: Check the density of wood pellets. Wood pellets should be highly densed. The degree of compactness would likely determine the possible amount of fines that can be found on the pellets. As mentioned, preferably zero to a very small percentage of fine particles must be present in wood pellets for these minute materials would affect the quality of flame produced. The looser the wood pellets are, the higher the amount of fines.

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In the past years, burning wood has been widely used in heating systems in many homes in different parts of the world. However, the demand of burning wood as a source of energy is challenged by the entrance of wood pellets and their related products.

Wood pellets are highly densed, compressed, low moist materials which are primarily derived from compacted sawdust. They have been proven to be effective wood fuel that can be utilized in many heating system machineries. As a matter of fact, currently they are gaining popularity among consumers from North America, Denmark, Austria and Sweden. Moreover, several other countries are also interested to start manufacturing this kind of wood fuel.

On the other hand, the usage of wood in heating appliances is still widely utilized among domestic homes. The fact that they are abundant in several countries and without a doubt efficient, the demand for wood burning is still high.

However, there have been many comparisons of these two forms of biomass fuel as to which one is the better alternative fuel.

Electricity

During winter season where heat system is generally needed, it cannot be avoided that there would be possibility of power failures in certain areas.
Wood: Most woodstoves can be operated without the use of electricity depending on the model.
Pellet: The augers of pellet boilers and fireplace inserts require the use of electricity to run and feed the pellets. Also, pellet stoves’ blowers that propel out the heat need electricity. However, a backup battery can be utilized.

Availability
Wood: It depends on the area. But, if the area is abundant of wooded land, then it would not create a major problem.
Pellet: Wood pellets are byproduct of wood processing activity. This means that instead of disposing them, manufacturers make use of them. The trees are not primarily cut down to produce wood pellets. They are product of innovation.

Cost
Wood: Again, it depends on the availability and demand for them. Furthermore, the chimney that is needed to vent the emission may be quite expensive with the use of wood stoves.
Pellet: If the pellet stove is positioned against a shrubbery outside walls, venting can be through a simple, short, special stainless steel chimney. However, most pellet stoves are more expensive than most wood stoves.

Placement
Wood: For most wood stoves, a distance of one foot or more against the wall is needed.
Pellet: The distance required to keep away from a wall for most pellet stoves is usually 3-6 inches only.

Appearance
Wood: The flame produced from burning wood can be mesmerizing. It produces some kind of romantic and vibrant feeling.

Pellet: The property of being low moist material makes them easier to burn the moist. Quite intense flame can be observed.

Despite the many comparisons between wood stoves and wood pellets stoves, both are advantageous over other form of fuels. They come from trees and ss long as there is balance between the demand and supply of trees, then consumers can continually enjoy their use. More importantly, they both benefit the environment since the carbon dioxide they emit is utilized by the growing plants and trees.

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