Currently, wood pellets are becoming one of the most frequently chosen heat sources and an alternative solution for electricity production. Thanks to using pellets in home installations, it has been possible to solve the smog problem in many European cities. Also, powerful biomass power plant installations are being built worldwide, using biomass to generate electricity. Good quality biomass, especially in the form of pellets, is an excellent energy raw material for this purpose, effectively replacing coal.
A good-quality pellet, i.e., one that does not contain additional chemicals, is a fuel with zero CO2 emissions. Of course, CO2 emissions occur during combustion, but their amount is equal to the amount of CO2 that the tree absorbs during its life.
KESSLER's research and development program focused a lot of attention on Pongamia shells, a waste product from this tree's fruit. In previous posts, we posted results regarding moisture, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content, while now we would like to share with you the results of our research on the use of Pongamia shells in the pellet production process, specifically from our elite variety 5781-A.
The assessment of the suitability of Pongamia shells from our genetic variety was essential because it is impossible to speak of a single product standard for all varieties. There are many varieties of Pongamia trees, and the products differ significantly in terms of physicochemical parameters and, therefore, suitability as a raw material for production processes. For a simple example, we can give the ash content, which reaches a level above 5% in some varieties!
Substantial differences in moisture content (the need for drying), sulfur content (harmful emissions), and the content of highly corrosive chlorine are also significant.
Currently, modern process installations require the use of the highest-quality raw material, which not only guarantees the achievement of production goals but is also economical and safe for carrying out these processes.
Of course, there are pellets of various qualities on the market, and that is why the EU has developed a quality standard for the highest quality. In terms of moisture, ash, chlorine, and sulfur content, pellets are classified as follows (standard A-1, A-2, B):
B | A-2 | A-1 | EU Standard for best quality pellets |
Max 10 | Max 10 | Max 10 | Humidity, % |
Max 2 | Max 1,2 | Max 0,7 | Ash content, % |
Max 0,05 | Max 0,05 | Max 0,04 | Sulfur content, % |
Max 0,03 | Max 0,03 | Max 0,02 | Chlorine content, % |
Hence, the quality of the raw material for pellet production is the most critical issue for the manufacturer and the customer, who must be satisfied with the purchased product. The quality analysis of the raw material says practically everything about its suitability for the production process, as well as the quality of the finished product. The same is valid for Pongamia shells - the physicochemical properties of shells from different genetic varieties differ significantly.
Accordingly, KESSLER is pleased to inform you that Pongamia shells from our elite genetic variety 5781-A meet the requirements for class A-1 pellets and are the highest-quality product!
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