Case Study in Wood Energy: the Integrated Products Company

To demonstrate the feasibility of using wood fuel in non-forest product industries, a wood boiler system was installed at a textile mill. The 400-hp firetube boiler, designed to operate on wood residue or chips, effectively replaces a gas-fired boiler. After resolving initial orientation problems with wood fuel, the boiler has operated at an average of 55 percent of maximum output for 2 years. The purpose of this evaluation was to review boiler operation and economics after 3 years of service and determine if the original projections were met. Operating procedures and major operational problems experienced during this period are presented first. Based on the established operational requirements and accurate records of fuel purchases, steam production, and maintenance items, representative costs and savings values are developed. Because the system has operated at a higher load factor than expected, the economic payback of 3 years was better than initially calculated. Favorable economic results for this installation can be attributed to the relatively low cost of wood fuel and the high use factor.

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