kiln dryer

[ash_smith123]

1 ton = 4m3 logged

Don't think so, more like

1 ton = 2m3 roughly

 

 

If 1ton was 4m3 I would be a millionaire! [emoji23]

[arboriculturist]

1 ton = 4m3 logged

Don't think so, more like

1 ton = 2m3 roughly

 

2m3 roughly - agree with that for volume when processed, however when dried to 20%, 1 tonne = 3.5 m3.

 

Have some green soft here at 60 and 62% MC.

[arboriculturist]

If 1ton was 4m3 I would be a millionaire! [emoji23]

 

Apologies - should have read 3.5 m3 when dried to 20% MC. (see my latest post)

[Duffryn]

The calcs I used were based on weight because volume has so many variables.

 

Loose stacked 50cm larch at 20% I am getting 4m3 to the tonne - verified on weigh bridge. If it were 20cm hardwood logs the volume per tonne would be a lot less.

 

Most people will be burning fairly large pieces of wood in the batch fed boiler and so I think it is fair to assume that in most cases there would be more volume per tonne that the calcs you use when selling logs.

[skyhuck]

The calcs I used were based on weight because volume has so many variables.

 

Loose stacked 50cm larch at 20% I am getting 4m3 to the tonne - verified on weigh bridge. If it were 20cm hardwood logs the volume per tonne would be a lot less.

 

Most people will be burning fairly large pieces of wood in the batch fed boiler and so I think it is fair to assume that in most cases there would be more volume per tonne that the calcs you use when selling logs.

 

Cutting smaller increases volume.

[arboriculturist]

The calcs I used were based on weight because volume has so many variables.

 

Loose stacked 50cm larch at 20% I am getting 4m3 to the tonne - verified on weigh bridge. If it were 20cm hardwood logs the volume per tonne would be a lot less.

 

Most people will be burning fairly large pieces of wood in the batch fed boiler and so I think it is fair to assume that in most cases there would be more volume per tonne that the calcs you use when selling logs.

 

There we go - 4m3 per tonne for Larch - this is the sort of data required to give quantified results. Douglas can be similar. All processed at 50cm.

 

Still looking for other's feedback on the 'Net profit' on RHI from my earlier post after costing all the overheads associated with drying Firewood.

 

Thanks.

[Duffryn]

Cutting smaller increases volume.

 

In my experience, dropping into 2m3 crates straight of the processor I get much more weight in smaller logs than I do in large lengths. Perhaps the difference is that way the wood is loaded into the bags or crates / size of crate ?

 

In terms of profit from batch fed boilers. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. Everyone's costs will be different based on fuel type, fuel cost, availability of staff on site etc.

 

What I can say with some certainty though is that if you are selling 4- 500m3 plus of logs a year then you are infinitely better off with a batch fed boiler (>200kwh) and kiln than without ( cashflow, space, ability to charge premium for product, ability to react to demand, RHI income versus capex)

Edited January 10, 2016 by Duffryn

[arboriculturist]

I agree on the size difference v weight.

 

When I get the time I will get some data on crates of different sizes weighed.

 

Stock and the dedicated storage for > 500m3 is a fair investment - 12.5K stillages, 10K roundwood, plus associated costs - say 25K. So that is 25K tied up indefinately rising as timber prices rise.

 

I see a combination of the 2 being the best option for many if you have the dry cover of course.

 

It's still satisfying filling stillages with green processed wood, stacking and a short time later empty and off they go.

[briquette_seller]

In my experience, dropping into 2m3 crates straight of the processor I get much more weight in smaller logs than I do in large lengths. Perhaps the difference is that way the wood is loaded into the bags or crates / size of crate ?

 

In terms of profit from batch fed boilers. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. Everyone's costs will be different based on fuel type, fuel cost, availability of staff on site etc.

 

What I can say with some certainty though is that if you are selling 4- 500m3 plus of logs a year then you are infinitely better off with a batch fed boiler (>200kwh) and kiln than without ( cashflow, space, ability to charge premium for product, ability to react to demand, RHI income versus capex)

 

400m3 of processed logs is only 11 fills of the 40ft and 66 days, based on the mentioned 6 day cycle.

Would one really generate enough rhi income in 66 days?

[Duffryn]

400m3 of processed logs is only 11 fills of the 40ft and 66 days, based on the mentioned 6 day cycle.

Would one really generate enough rhi income in 66 days?

 

Lets assume 500m3 on a 7 day drying cycle. This would generate 16,800 kwh a week and over the 15.6 weeks a total of 262,080 kwh. This more or less uses up your tier 1 RHI on a 210kwh boiler but generates £13,571 in RHI

 

You would be able to sell the logs for a £7K premium (£20 per m3). You could also free up yard space and cash tied up in wood air drying. In rough terms allowing for cost of fuel a 33% ROI. In my personal view, at this level or above you are better off with than without a kiln.

 

If your cost of capital is low, fuel is free or you charge a gate fee then the volume of logs sold to easily justify a kiln would need to be even less.

 

This also assumes that you are around on site to refuel the boiler yourself and the there is no labour charge for this. In most one or two man bands this may well be the case.

 

The next 37 weeks of the year for volume log producers will be a pain because the reduced tier 2 RHI will barely cover the fuel cost and the cost of reloading will be a right pain. Here you may wish to consider a 2nd or third batch fed boiler or a woodchip boiler.

Edited January 10, 2016 by Duffryn