Biomass fuel encompasses a number of materials that include wood and other agricultural residues. The materials in question can be used for heating buildings and to a lesser extent, for producing power. Biomass can also, if required, produce a combination of heat and power, which only further illustrates it’s efficiency and all round usefulness. On the other hand, biomass systems require more operator information than other forms of renewable energy such as solar or wind and a small amount of maintenance plus an annual inspection and cleaning means the system can provide heating when needed. Additionally, biomass combustion produces emissions that have to be monitored to make sure they comply with government regulations. While these are only slight caveats, there is little question that biomass systems are more than fit for purpose. Because biomass systems are so popular and because there is sometimes a slight trepidation when it comes to making the switch, we thought it good to touch on the various components of a biomass fuel system. What Are The Different Parts of a Biomass System? There are a number of key components to a biomass system which includes the following – Fuel storage and handling or conveying Combustor Boiler Fire suppression systems Pumps Fans Exhaust controls System controls Automatic ash handling (optional feature) Back up boiler Heat distribution system All biomass systems require storage for fuel as well as a way of handling the fuel. Systems that use wood chips or pellets will be stored in silos or a bunker with an automated system that moves fuel from the storage area to the combustion area. PH Winterton recommends that storage areas hold a minimum of three days of fuel at all times. The day hopper is the last part of the fuel handling system and controls the rate at which the fuel is delivered to the boiler. Wood pellet or log systems the heat created by the boiler can be used to directly heat the air or used to heat water, acting as a medium by which the heat is delivered. Fire suppression systems help to prevent fire from the combustor travelling back up the conveyor system where fuel is stored. This type of system can also...
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At P.H.Winterton, we provide high quality soft-dust and economy bale wood shavings which are used for our premium poultry bedding. If you have chickens and you use our high quality bedding, you understand that premium shavings are by far the best choice of beddings for your chickens when it comes to comfort and practicality. This being said, sometimes chickens are seemingly unaware of the apparent comfort awaiting in their nest box. As such, you might need to use certain techniques to encourage your chickens to take to their clearly beneficial bedding. Being a quality purveyor of poultry bedding in Staffordshire, we understand a few different techniques to encourage your chickens to take to their bedding. Add Fake Eggs To The Nest We start with potentially the most unusual technique, and that is by adding an egg to the nest. Eggs already in the nest encourage your chickens by showcasing that the bed is comfy and accepting as there has already been a chicken laying an egg there. Some people find that using a golf ball or another similarly sized oval shaped object works well enough at fooling your chicken into thinking there is an egg in the nest already. However, some people find that only a more life-like egg will be serviceable. Ceramic fake eggs can be purchased and used for this exact purpose. Just be sure to label your fake eggs as you do not get your fake and real ones confused. Block Your Chickens From Laying Eggs Outside of The Nest If adding fake eggs to the nest does not work for you, you might decide to adopt a more forward approach. Your chickens might start to use certain places to lay their eggs and subsequently use that place as their bedding. For example, they might have identified a certain shrub or bush they have taken a liking to. It will then become paramount to block access to this area. If you remove access to this area, they will have no other option than to use the previously laid out bedding. Regular Clean The Bedding At P.H Winterton, we enjoy singing the praises of appropriate and sufficient bedding cleaning. The best comparison we could possibly make is...
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