Use a cover to maximise energy content
The Walki Biomass Cover is a paper-based material used to cover and protect stored energy wood from rain, snow and frost. The resulting higher level of dry matter increases the energy content of the biomass.
“Covering your energy wood saves you time and money,” says Magnus Andersson of Walki.
Biofuel use is constantly increasing. One important biofuel reserve is felling residue, known as slash.
“Previously, branches, tops and thinnings were left in the forest,” Andersson says. “Nowadays they are gathered and used as fuel. The Walki Biomass Cover has been developed to cover the energy wood that will later become fuel.”
10-15 percent higher dry matter
One of the cover’s biggest advantages is the energy aspect: when the wood is covered, it begins to dry and its energy content increases significantly. The Walki cover can withstand both rain and snow.
“But the heaps are open from the side so that the wind can blow through and dry out the wood,” Andersson says. “Experience shows that the amount of dry matter in the wood can increase by 10 to 15 percent thanks to the cover.”
Can also be burned
Andersson says that a cover also offers clear economic advantages.
“The energy companies often pay for the energy content of the slash. Their price is based on the amount of dry matter. So covered heaps of slash will bring in more money.”
The cover is made of strong, waterproof material and is easily put onto the heaps of slash.
“The machine operator spreads out the cover with the help of the grapple,” Andersson explains. “Because the cover is stiff it is easy to spread out, and due to its thickness it cuts up well without falling into strips that would cause problems on the conveyor systems at the power plants. The cover is ground up along with the slash and becomes energy fuel itself.”
Year-round handling
In cold countries the cover also protects the energy wood from freezing into a solid lump of ice that is basically impossible to handle.
“So that’s yet more added value in purely economic terms,” Andersson says. “If a slash heap is covered from the start it’s easy to handle and efficient to chip.”
Customers for the Walki cover range from forest companies and power companies to small-scale contractors in the energy sector.
“Interest is growing strongly and many people are looking for new, innovative approaches,” Andersson says. “It’s an exciting journey to be involved in.”
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