Biomass Dryer and Fines Burner Study

PE Tech was retained to identify the benefits of installing a biomass fines burner system and processing equipment to replace natural gas as the fuel for the No. 2 and No. 3 lime kilns. As part of this study, PE Tech was able to produce a process model that predicts operating cost and emissions savings by comparing an energy model baseline to the proposed system to estimate the savings and efficiency gains. The Feasibility Study Report provided a detailed description and analysis of the project including process results, capital costs, risks, preliminary layout design, and recommendations. Due to the lack of space around the existing kilns and the large size of the various pieces of equipment, a 3D model was created to ensure that the new equipment can be installed and to provide the detail required for an accurate capital cost estimate.  

Upon completion of the study PE Tech determined that by utilizing waste sawdust and wood materials, the client would be able to leverage a wood powder firing system to generate heat from waste sources to use in existing processes. Not only would this process reduce the need for fossil fuels in their drying process, it would also repurpose existing waste materials already found in their facility. PE Tech identified this project would save over 29,500 tonnes of CO2 annually.