Burner-changeover

Combustion systems & changeover:

Though pellet fuel installations have a reputation in
some circles as 'alternative' choices, their functional
components are virtually identical to those of the
more conventional oil, coal or gas systems. The
European example offers a glimpse of what future
opportunities hold. They include a pellet storage
container, a burner, an automated feeder to supply
that burner, a boiler, exhaust system and chimney.
There is no need for extensive permits or
containment because there is no volatile oil or gas.
Any storage can take place above or below ground,
making maintenance and filling easier and further
reducing costs of installation and upkeep.
A heating system producing approximately 500,000
BTU/hr (that of a small school's system, for
instance) currently burning oil, coal or natural gas,
in many instances can be changed to burn pellets
with retrofits made only to the burner, plus the
addition of a combustion conveying system and a
storage container. In such a system, the existing
boiler and heat delivery structures remain
unchanged. Solid fuel systems such as those
burning coal or wood chips are more easily
retrofitted to burn pellets through simple feed and
air supply adjustments. A pelletized, refined fuel will
always burn cleaner than the virgin material form.
The pellet fuels burn process holds emissions far
below those of nonrenewable fossil fuels. Future
research in commercial pellet burning systems are
employing various technologies which are
promising even further increases in efficiencies.
With the reduced costs, ease of operation and
environmental benefits, pellet fuel provides financial
benefits to the consumers and the communities in
which they live. Since pellets are manufactured
regionally, they are never a monetary drain on a
town, city or county. Regional waste problems are
addressed and supply is tailored to local needs.
Pellets provide jobs, pellet dollars stay in the
region, and the entire community relies less on
foreign energy.