Many solid-fuel boilers can run on biomass with modest changes. Before you switch, walk through this checklist with your boiler operator and, where needed, the boiler manufacturer.
1. Grate and furnace
Check the grate type and spacing. Briquettes suit most fixed and travelling grates; pellets may need a finer grate or a dedicated burner.
2. Air supply
Biomass releases more volatile matter than coal and needs more secondary air for clean combustion. Your operator may need to adjust primary and secondary air dampers.
3. Fuel feeding
Manually fed boilers can usually switch to briquettes directly. Automatic feeders need fuel of a consistent size — check screw and hopper dimensions before ordering pellets.
4. Ash handling
Biomass generally produces less ash than coal, but some agro residues can form clinker at high temperatures. Watch the bed for the first few days and adjust firing rate if needed.
5. Storage
Biomass must stay dry. Plan a covered storage area that holds at least a few days of consumption.
6. Start with a trial lot
Run a trial lot for a few days, record steam output and fuel consumption, then compare cost per unit of steam against coal.
Planning a switch?
We can supply a trial lot and guide your operator during changeover.
