biomass energy
higher volumes of ash, which has implications for everyday maintenance,” he continued. “Pellets are usually delivered by a
smaller ‘blower’ vehicle with less demanding access requirements, and the best results are achieved by using a vertical storage silo as this maximises fuel recovery. The silo may be manufactured from GRP (glass reinforced polyester) for outdoor use, or a fabric silo can be assembled in-situ indoors. Because of their height, outdoor silos may require planning permission,” Owens added. Day-to-day operation is another important consideration as there are additional demands, such as removing ash, when dealing with biomass boilers, compared to gas or oil. This requires communicating with maintenance staff and ensuring they are ‘on board’. “Most people have no experience of solid fuel boilers and, while modern biomass boilers are very easy to use, different procedures are involved,” explains Lawrence Dixon of specialist biomass installer Instatherm. “For that reason we explain the details to the staff before a project begins so they are fully conversant with routines, such as removing ash every fortnight or so, once the boilers are handed over,” he adds.
Air quality legislation
All biomass fuels produce particulate emissions, and the volume and nature of these will vary with fuel quality, as well as combustion efficiency. Until recently air quality legislation focused on those particles with a diameter of 10 microns (1 micron = 1 millionth of a metre) or more, denoted as PM10. In June 2010, however, EC Directive 2008/50/EC (Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe) came into force and this requires control of particles down to 2.5 microns (PM2.5). Traditionally, biomass boilers have used
cyclones or multi-cyclones to remove particles from emissions but these are only able to remove about 50% of the particles down to PM10. However, new ceramic filters are now entering the market that are capable of removing up to 96% of particles down to PM2.5. So the emissions control mechanism for any biomass installation will also need to be evaluated. There can be little doubt that biomass
will continue to make an important contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction objectives, either on its own or integrated with other renewable heat sources. However, it needs to be selected on the basis of offering the best solution for a
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Pellets are usually delivered by a smaller ‘blower’ vehicle with less demanding access requirements, and the best results are achieved by using a vertical storage silo as this maximises fuel recovery.
project, having considered all of the options and practical details, rather than simply to exploit the PR benefits of having a biomass installation.
About the author
Paul Haddlesey is a freelance writer specialising in building management and related issues.
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