Particle size matters
US-based Rawlings discusses processing wood waste and other biomass to help companies move away from fossil fuels
Markets for wood waste include feedstock for engineered woods, landscape mulch, soil conditioner, animal bedding, compost additive, sewage sludge, and boiler fuel. All these end uses have similar processing requirements in that the wood waste has to be separated from other wastes, cleaned by removing contaminants and fasteners, and, in some cases, processed through grinding or chipping. The final use of the wood waste often determines how clean and consistent the feedstock must be.
During our 40 years designing wood waste grinding systems, we have found that most of our clients are looking to get the smallest end particle size on a single pass through the grinder. We often suggest that this is not always the most economical option in the long-run. Running the grinder and related equipment at full surge capacity results in higher consumption of spare parts and maintenance costs; and depending on whether you’re using electricity or diesel fuel, these costs add up over time.
During the preliminary...
Markets for wood waste include feedstock for engineered woods, landscape mulch, soil conditioner, animal bedding, compost additive, sewage sludge, and boiler fuel. All these end uses have similar processing requirements in that the wood waste has to be separated from other wastes, cleaned by removing contaminants and fasteners, and, in some cases, processed through grinding or chipping. The final use of the wood waste often determines how clean and consistent the feedstock must be.
During our 40 years designing wood waste grinding systems, we have found that most of our clients are looking to get the smallest end particle size on a single pass through the grinder. We often suggest that this is not always the most economical option in the long-run. Running the grinder and related equipment at full surge capacity results in higher consumption of spare parts and maintenance costs; and depending on whether you’re using electricity or diesel fuel, these costs add up over time.
During the preliminary...
