On entering the engine chamber, two Finnish made CHP units are hard at work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The screened CHP woodchip is burned at 1,000ºC and the gas produced goes to drive the engines which generate electricity that powers the whole site. Heat is then recovered from the exhaust which is used to heat the water. After the hot water has passed through the heat exchangers, the hot air is forced through a tunnel servicing two large bays by a massive 30kW fan – one used for drying the biomass fuel and the other for force drying the bagged logs prior to sale. To maximize the efficiency of the drying floor area, vents can be shut off to avoid unnecessary loss of hot air where it’s not needed.
The bags of force-dried logs are then stored undercover awaiting dispatch. “Our operation is pretty unique here in Stirlingshire and we have an ever increasing and discerning clientele for our finished product which is delivered clean and ready to burn for maximum heat efficiency,” says Gordon. Besides the sale of bagged logs, Wood for Fuel also supplies woodchip which is force dried and screened for Biomass boilers and CHP units, briquettes and kindling. There is no residual waste from the whole process. Having had the guided tour, it was time for Gordon to jump back on his ECR88D and continue chipping. “I have to say that after trying out several machines the Volvo has proved to be the most comfortable with a good sized cab and the visibility is superb. It’s great to operate – yes, we’re really pleased with it.” ■
“It’s vital we have a high degree of reliability from the ECR88D to keep the operation running!”
Two CHP units run 24/7 which generate 90kW of electricity providing all the heat and power needed on-site
Two giant heat exchangers draw air over the hot water which is circulated and then forced into the under floor heating system and kiln by a 30kW fan
A glance at the thermometer shows the difference between the outside ambient temperature and the temperature of the hot air being forced through the system
One of the bays highlighting the under floor air ducts
Up to 56 bags of logs can be accommodated in a single bay at one time reducing the drying time from one year to just under a week
Control central – surplus electricity that’s generated is exported to the Grid
“We had experienced poor reliability with another make of machine when we started up last year and this consistently interrupted our production. We had had enough and so decided to settle on the Volvo after having had good reports of the product’s reliability”
Logs ready for sale 24 THE VOICE MAGAZINE No32 2018
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