Influence of physical properties of solid biomass fuels on the design and cost of storage installations

The aim of this work consists on determining biomass fuels properties and studying their relation with fixed and variable costs of stores and handling systems. To do that, dimensions (length and diameter), bulk density, particle density and durability of several brands and batches of wood pellets and briquettes were tested, according to international standards. Obtained results were compared with those in literature. Bulk density tests were applied for several other biomass fuels too, and later used to determinate which ones of all the biomass-fuels tested are economically more profitable for a typical transport/store system made of a screw conveyor and a concrete bunker silo.

► Just 4/23 brands of pellets reach bulk density values usually reported as average. ► 19/21 brands of pellets present durability values over 95%. ► Rye grain and olive stone have the lowest fixed and variable costs respectively. ► Adequate fuel selection means savings up to 10% and 25% in fixed and variable costs.