Modeling of off-gassing for wood pellets

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The short term objective of the proposed research is to measure and mitigate the evolution of volatiles from wood pellets in storage and handling. The long term goal is develop low cost pelletizing technology that would enhance the quality and value of Canadian wood pellets.  Similar to other perishable commodities, pellets degrade over a period of storage by absorbing moisture and loosing their integrity.  The pellets emit gases that would accumulate within confined space during storage and shipping.  Exposure to the gases is a serious human health hazard. There have also been incidences of spontaneous combustion around wood pellet handling areas. Scientific research is needed to develop and apply engineering solutions to these problems.  The following activities are planned to meet  the goal of the research. Experimentally identify and establish concentration of gas species in the space of stored wood pellets.   Develop storage characteristics for pellets to minimize potential of self heating and spontaneous combustion. Explore new processes (e.g. steam explosion, devolatisation of torrefaction)  to manufacture more durable pellets that can be stored longer and handled easier and safer.. Develop and validate simulation models for commercial storage systems and use these model to design and operate the storage systems. Develop quality specifications for wood pellets and validate a Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for wood pellets for safe handling, transportation and storage. This 5-year project is a Collaborative Research and Development effort between the Wood Pellet Association of Canada, NSERC  and a multi-disciplinary research team at the University of British Columbia and NRCAN. The project plans to train at least ten undergraduate students, three M.A.Sc, two Ph.D., two post doctoral researchers and an engineering technician. The project involves four faculty researchers, one industrial researcher, and one researcher from government.