Complex Biomass Fuels

From our longstanding experience in corrosive straw fuel handling, DP has extended its expertise to over 60 fuel types. In particular, our knowledge of complex fuels such as rice husk, coconut waste; sugar cane leaves and other fuels common in emerging markets is unparalleled.

Type of Complex Biomass Fuels

Complex biomass fuels are generally defined to be those which have chemical properties or combustion characteristics which render them generally unsuitable for conversion to energy. However, the agricultural industry of today is generating huge quantities of by-products, ranging from almond husk to coconut waste; lignin by products from 2g ethanol productions to animal waste. As well as the possibility of generating energy, the need for disposal of such waste is also a key driver in developing the possibilities for energy conversion. The potential for increasing the opportunities for clean energy provided by abundant, but difficult- to- handle fuels is enhanced by DP’s end to end approach to design, manufacture and service; whilst performance guarantees are in place to ensure positive returns for plant owners.

Typical characteristics

Complex fuels are typically those fuels that have specific characteristics which require more carefully calibrated and designed equipment; and specialized combustion processes. The complexities can range from the differing particle sizes to highly concentrations of chemicals that can cause toxic emissions or corrosion.

Implications

Complex fuels tend to become highly corrosive when subjected to high pressure, high temperature conditions, leading to equipment corrosion and underperforming plants. DP’s understanding of a fuel’s characteristics and combustion behaviour ensures that the design of the Specialist boiler and materials will maximize the lifetime and efficiency of a plant. DP has designed and built the world’s first “all-coconut” waste plant in Thailand which has been operating successfully since April 2016.