Small-scale pellet production is a rapidly growing pellet fuel sector. Below is a video of a portable bagging solution than can be used along with wood pellets to quickly package the wood pellets for the domestic pellet fuel market.

To learn more about pellet fuel and pellet stove fuel please click the banner below for the Wood Pellet Stove and Boiler Guide.

Torrefaction is a process not very well known, however this is the future of the biomass sold fuels market. Torrefaction is a thermal process to increase the energy density of the raw material, and give it several other benefits.

The video below is from New York State University carrying out Torrefaction tests on wood. Basically the wood is heated to around 300 degrees. At this temperature the wood looses almost all moisture and other volatiles. The benefits of Torrefaction include:

1. A very low moisture content
2. A smokeless fuel which also has no smell
3. A water resistant fuel

Through then creating pellets from Torrefaction materials means the energy density of the fuel can be increased further. For example one torrefied pellet provides the same heat as two normal wood pellets. For example if you usually use 3 tonnes of pellets a year that is reduced to 1.5 tonnes of torrefied pellets. There will be more on torrefied fuel pellets in the future.

To learn more about burning pellets and pellet stoves such as the Whitfield pellet stove, please click the banner below.

Many European countries are now heavily participating in wood pellet production and Switzerland is no different. The video below provides a brief introduction to large-scale wood pellet production in Switzerland.

As you can see from the video, using only natural and uncontaminated wood residue is suitable for wood pellet fuel production. Producing wood pellets from contaminated wood waste with paints and resins can produce harmful emissions during combustion, which is bad for people and the environment.

Modified cornstarch is referenced as been added to the mix before the pellets are produced. Modified cornstarch is a recognized pellet binder, and lubricant for the pellet production process to increase productivity and lower energy demands.

To learn more about wood pellets and other biomass fuel pellets, and how not all fuel pellets can be used in every pellet furnace, please click the banner below for the Wood Pellet Stove and Boiler Guide.

Due to currently low prices of natural gas and oil, the growth of wood pellet stoves would not be expected to be as large as last year. However as part of the economic stimulus package a 30% tax credit up to the value of $1500 is available to help to pay for the stove and installation. The scheme is set to run to the end of 2010.

As many people will realise the current low oil and gas prices are only temporary. As we are in an economic recession the prices of oil and gas drop also. However prices of oil and gas are already on the rise and will continue to rise in a general trend.

Purchasing a pellet stove now and taking advantage of the tax credit scheme will make the payback time of the stove even less.

For more information on pellet stoves such as the Breckwell Pellet Stoves, please click the banner below.