There are two elements contained within biomass that are responsible for corrosion within the pellet burner, which are Sulphur and Chlorine.
Sulphur
1. Sulphur is a low temperature corrosive
2. Sulphur content over 0.1% will have an effect
3. Fast growing biomass tends to contain higher Sulphur concentrations
4. All biomass has far less Sulphur than coal
Chlorine
1. Chlorine is a high temperature corrosive
2. Chlorine content over 0.1% will have an effect
3. Fast growing biomass tends to contain higher Chlorine concentrations
4. Energy crops like various Straw’s and Miscanthus contain high levels of Chlorine
Which Biomass causes Corrosion?
Generally it appears to be that the faster a biomass grows, the higher levels of corrosive elements they contain. Now some people would say to avoid this biomass, however their increased rate of growth is a significant benefit in developing a renewable energy future. Also biomass that can produce multiple crops on the same piece of land more quickly generates more income for the producer and a cheaper fuel for consumers.
Soon I will produce the an article on:
1. Corrosion Resistant Pellet Burners
To offset the corrosive qualities of a biomass raw material it can be mixed with another biomass, I will explain this in more detail in:
1. Mixed Biomass Pellets
Thank you for your interest
