Title:
Improvement of Forest Chip Quality and Supply Chain Performance by Means of a Continuous Quality Measurement System
Author(s):
Ranta, T., Korpinen, O-J., Aalto, M.
Document(s):
Paper
Slide presentation
Abstract:
The quality of forest chips is mainly determined according to the energy content (moisture content), the impurities (ash content) and the particle size distribution. This paper examines the benefits that the continuous quality measurement of forest chips provides for power plant function and the management of supply chain operations. Continuous quality measurement is based on x-ray scanning of the moving forest fuel stream, measuring moisture content and impurities such as stones and other foreign matter. This paper analyzes real-time measurement data and examines the reasons behind fuel quality changes. The forest chip supply chain is modeled using a simulation tool to estimate the effect of fuel quality enhancement on the competitiveness of forest chips as feedstock. At the moment some tentative results are available, as the collection of data is still ongoing. However, the continuous measurement method is expected to reduce unwanted variation in fuel quality as fuel suppliers are able to react faster to feedback on fuel quality. Accordingly, the competitiveness of forest chips will increase, and suppliers can operate more profitably, reducing emissions of greenhouse gases in storage and transportation.
Keywords:
logistics, measurement, moisture, sampling, wood chip, supply chain
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Biomass feedstock, residues and by-products
Event:
26th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1AO.7.1
Pages:
46 - 50
ISBN:
978-88-89407-18-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/26thEUBCE2018-1AO.7.1
Price:
FREE
