Why Moisture Control Matters?

Hog fuel is wet wood material or waste. Essentially, it is a combination of some or all of the following: scrap wood of any species, wood shavings, sawdust, bark and needles. It is used as a feedstock for large industrial or small size utility boilers which have a capacity that usually exceeds that which is supplied by a single wood processing facility. Moisture content of hog fuel affects its burning efficiency and, consequently, the air/ fuel ratio of the boiler.

It is very important that the operator is aware of the moisture content of the feedstock at all times so control decisions can be made on real time information. Different boilers will have different optimum moisture requirements. Typically, the moisture content will not exceed 55% or be lower than 25%. Measurement Location Measurements are typically made on-line, with the gauge mounted approximately 8” above the feed conveyor at a location shortly after the hog fuel has been turned. For example, after the product has transferred from one belt to another. If dry and wet hog fuels are being blended to produce feedstock of a specific moisture value, it is important that they are well mixed so the on-line measurement is representative of the bulk.