Evaluation of the effect of steam injection on a coastal wood species pellet and field measurement of chloride content

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The proposed research is aimed at evaluating the effect of steam treatment on the pellet quality as well as developing a robust method to determine chloride levels in the feedstock from BC coasts. Wood pellets, despite their high density, tend to disintegrate easily into fines due to moisture sorption and mechanical handling. Fines accumulation can lead to explosion, off-gassing and self-combustion, threatening the occupational health and safety of the workers. The proposed research investigates the use of steam pre-treatment of biomass feedstock to improve pellet quality in terms of mechanical strength and moisture proofing. Another aspect of this research is developing a screening method for feedstock to separate low salt content (<200 ppm) feedstock from high salt content feedstock. The detailed objectives of this research are to (1) quantify the effect of steam-treatment on durability of pellets made from coastal wood species and to (2) develop a method for fast measurement of chloride content of feedstock. Our target is to provide data to help TimberWest to develop a profitable and sustainable wood pellet operation. The proposed research contributes to the advancing of science and engineering of biomass densification through preparing highly qualified graduate engineers and scientists. We plan the following approaches towards meeting the objectives of the proposed research: