Walki has developed a new biomass cover with an extended width of six metres. The new, wider cover increases the amount of energy that can be derived from logging residues through significantly improved dry matter content, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network.
As emissions regulations continue to grow ever stricter, global interest in biofuels is increasing. Compared with other alternative energy sources, such as burning household waste, forestry products are greener, emit fewer hazardous substances and are totally renewable.
“Given the growing concern for the environment, it comes as no surprise that the market for biomass is experiencing a positive trend," says Jens Desthon, Sales Manager Sweden and Norway.
Desthon explains that, while logging residue is an inexpensive and accessible source of biofuel, the products have to be dried in order to deliver high energy content.
“Dry Matter Content (DMC) is the key to improving the amount of energy that can be derived from logging residues. If they’re left out in the open, they absorb moisture and the energy content declines significantly," he says.
For this reason, logging residues are first left on the ground to dry and then stored in piles for several months. To protect the piles from moisture, Walki has developed a paper-based, waterproof cover that can be incinerated with the residue. The cover shelters the top of the pile, but leaves the sides open, allowing moisture to evaporate.
However, more recently, studies have shown that simply covering the piles may not be sufficient, and that the effectiveness of a cover is linked to its size. As a result, Walki has developed a new, wider biomass cover with a width of six metres, compared with other covers that are typically four metres wide. Moreover, Walki is the only company that produces its biomass covers in Europe.
