When it comes to biomass woodchip, not all woodchip is the same.
One of the most important things to consider is moisture content. The amount of moisture in your woodchip can have a big impact on how efficiently it burns, the amount of heat it produces and how well your biomass boiler performs.
So, why does moisture content matter so much?
What Is Moisture Content?
Moisture content simply refers to the amount of water held within the woodchip.
Freshly cut timber naturally contains a high level of moisture. Before it can be turned into quality biomass fuel, the moisture level needs to be carefully considered and managed.
The drier the woodchip, the less energy is needed to evaporate excess water during the burning process.
Wet Woodchip Can Mean Less Heat
When woodchip contains too much moisture, part of the energy produced by your biomass boiler is used to dry the fuel and evaporate the water before the woodchip can burn effectively.
In simple terms, more moisture can mean less usable heat.
Using woodchip with a suitable moisture content for your boiler can help the system burn more efficiently and produce consistent heat.
Moisture Content Can Affect Boiler Performance
Biomass boilers are designed to operate with fuel that meets certain specifications.
Using woodchip that is too wet or unsuitable for your system may affect combustion and overall boiler performance. It can also contribute to increased ash, smoke and deposits within the boiler or flue.
Choosing the correct woodchip for your biomass boiler is important for helping your system operate as it should.
Good Quality Woodchip Starts with the Timber
The quality of biomass woodchip starts long before it reaches your boiler.
The timber used, how it is stored and the way it is processed can all have an impact on the finished fuel.
Correct storage is particularly important. Woodchip needs to be protected from excess rain and moisture to help maintain its quality before it is delivered and used.
Is Drier Woodchip Always Better?
Not necessarily.
Every biomass boiler is different and may be designed to operate with a particular type or specification of woodchip. This means the driest woodchip isn't automatically the best choice for every system.
The important thing is to use quality woodchip that is suitable for your biomass boiler.
If you're unsure, it's always worth checking your boiler manufacturer's fuel requirements or speaking to your biomass fuel supplier.
Why Consistent Woodchip Quality Matters
Consistency is key when it comes to biomass fuel.
Changes in moisture content, chip size or overall fuel quality can affect how the woodchip feeds into the boiler and how efficiently it burns.
Using a reliable supply of quality biomass woodchip can help maintain consistent boiler performance and reduce potential fuel related problems.
Biomass Woodchip from Miller Biofuels
At Miller Biofuels, we understand the importance of quality biomass fuel.
We supply biomass woodchip for a range of heating systems and applications, with P16S and P31S woodchip available.
If you're unsure which woodchip is suitable for your biomass boiler, get in touch with our team. We're always happy to discuss your requirements and help you choose the right fuel for your system.