1. Moisture Content (As Dried Basis - ADB): 6.89% What it Means: The moisture content, after air drying, stands at 6.89%. Lower moisture levels are ideal because they lead to better combustion efficiency. In this case, the low percentage is favorable for energy yield during burning.
2. Ash Content (As Dried Basis - ADB): 1.85% Why it Matters: Ash is the residue left after combustion. The ash content of 1.85% suggests that there is very little leftover non-combustible material. Less ash means less waste and less frequent maintenance.
3. Ash Content (Dry Basis - DB): 1.99% Comparison to ADB: When considering all moisture removed, ash rises slightly to 1.99%. This still indicates efficient combustion with minimal residue, reinforcing its quality as a biomass fuel.
4. Volatile Matter (As Dried Basis - ADB): 76.78% Significance: Volatile matter is the part of the pellet that can easily ignite. High volatile content, such as 76.78%, means faster ignition, contributing to efficient combustion.
5. Volatile Matter (Dry Basis - DB): 82.46% Dry Matter Perspective: On a completely dry basis, volatile matter is even higher (82.46%), reflecting how much of the biomass is readily available for burning once all moisture is gone.
6. Fixed Carbon (Dry Basis - DB): 14.48% Role in Combustion: Fixed carbon represents the solid carbon remaining after the release of volatile matter, which contributes to sustained combustion. At 14.48%, it’s suitable for extended burning phases after initial ignition.
7. Gross Calorific Value (Energy Content) ADB GCV: 4,319 kcal/kg This value represents the total energy the pellet provides, considering the small remaining moisture content. DB GCV: 4,639 kcal/kg Without moisture, the energy content is higher at 4,639 kcal/kg. This makes these pellets an excellent fuel option with good energy potential.
8. Sulphur Content ADB Sulphur: 0.08% DB Sulphur: 0.09% Low sulphur content is beneficial for reducing emissions during combustion. With sulphur levels well below 0.1%, these pellets ensure cleaner emissions, making them environmentally preferable.
Key Takeaways
Moisture Content: At 6.89%, moisture is kept at an ideal level for effective burning, resulting in higher energy output.
Ash Content: Low ash levels (around 2%) mean fewer leftovers after combustion, reducing cleanup and maintenance needs.
Volatile Matter: High volatile matter (82% DB) allows for easy ignition, which is crucial for efficient fuel use.
Energy Content (GCV): A GCV of 4,639 kcal/kg (dry basis) indicates a robust energy yield, making these pellets a good source of biomass energy.
Sulphur Content: The minimal sulphur content ensures environmentally friendly combustion.
Overall, Pine Sawdust Pellets, based on these test results, exhibit excellent characteristics for efficient biomass fuel: high energy output, low residue, and minimal environmental impact, making them a solid choice for renewable energy production.