| Hog fuel is wet wood material or waste.
Essentially, it is a combination of some or all of the following:
scrap wood of any species, wood shavings, sawdust, bark and
needles. It is used as a feedstock for large industrial or
small size utility boilers which have a capacity that usually
exceeds that which is supplied by a single wood
processing facility.
Moisture content of hog fuel affects its burning efficiency
and, consequently, the air/fuel ratio of the boiler. It is
very important that the operator is aware of the moisture
content of the feedstock at all times so control decisions
can be made on real time information. Different boilers will
have different optimum moisture requirements. Typically, the
moisture content will not exceed 60% or be lower than 30%.
Measurement Location
Measurements are typically made on-line, with the gauge mounted
approximately 8” above the feed conveyor at a location
shortly after the hog fuel has been turned. For example, after
the product has transferred from one belt to another. If dry
and wet hog fuels are being blended to produce feedstock of
a specific moisture value, it is
important that they are well mixed so the on-line measurement
is representative of the bulk. |
