3. Pre-Installation Considerations
3.1. Pellets
Wood pellets are manufactured by hot-extruding compressed sawdust
which is produced during the working of natural dried wood. The
compactness of the material comes from the lignin which is contained
in the wood itself, and allows the production of pellets without the use
of glues or binders.
The market offers different types of pellet with characteristics which
vary depending on what mixture of woods is used. The diameter varies
between 6 mm and 8 mm, with a standard length in the range 5 mm to
30 mm. Good quality pellets have a density which varies between 600
kg/m3 and 750 kg/m3, with a moisture content which varies from 5%
to 8% by weight.
Besides being an ecological fuel (exploiting timber residues to the
maximum and achieving cleaner combustion than is possible with fossil
fuels), pellets also have technical advantages. While good-quality
timber has a calorific power of 4.4 kW/kg (with 15% moisture,
therefore after about 18 months' seasoning), the equivalent figure for
pellets is 4,9 kW/kg.
To ensure good combustion, the pellets must be stored in an area that
is free of humidity and protected from dirt. The pellets are usually
supplied in 10 kg. bags, so storing them is very convenient.
Good quality pellets ensure good combustion, thus lowering the
emission of harmful agents into the atmosphere.
The poorer the quality of the fuel, the more
frequently
will
intervention
be
necessary
for
cleaning the internal parts, such as the grate and
the combustion chamber.
The main certification of quality for pellets in the European market are
Enplus-A1 these ensure respect of:
Calorific power: 4.9 kW/kg
Water content: max 10% of weight
Percentage of ashes: max 0,5% of weight
Diameter: 6mm
Length: max 30mm
Contents: 100% untreated wood, with no added bonding
substances (bark percentage 5% max)
Packaging: in sacks made from ecologically compatible or
biologically decomposing material.
Pre-Installation Considerations
ECOMPACT 15
Page 6
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