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SUPERIOR WOOD PRODUCTS LLC.
Agricultural Utilization Research Institute P.O. Box 251 Waseca, MN 56093 (507) 835-8990 Averages Product Testing As Is Dry Matter Alfalfa Moisture 12.25% (leaf and stem) BTU / lb. 6934-7729 Ash % 7.94% 9.06% Sulfur % 0.195 0.22 Aspen Moisture 6.02% BTU / lb. 7786-8501 Ash % 2.48% 2.67% Sulfur % 0.02 0.02 Corn Gluten Feed Moisture 12.06% BTU / lb. 7199-8097 Ash % 3.78% 4.30% Sulfur % 0.33 0.375 Corn - shell Moisture 13.43% BTU / lb. 6924 - 8100 54.5 lb/bu. T.W. 13 % moist. Ash % 1.13% 1.23% Sulfur % 0.11 0.13 Corn - high oil Moisture 12.49% BTU / lb. 7398-8480 56.2 lb/bu. T.W. 12.9 % moist. Ash % 1.17% 1.34% Sulfur % 0.095 0.11 Corn – waxy Moisture 13.09% 56.6 lb/bu. T.W. BTU / lb. 7073 8113 13 % moist. Ash % 1.26% 1.44% Sulfur % 0.12 0.135 Corn Cob Moisture 7.12% BTU / lb. 7369 7911 Ash % 2.16% 2.32% Sulfur % 0.04 0.04 Corn Stover/Stalks Moisture 9.14% BTU / lb. 7057 7768 Ash % 6.81% 7.64% Sulfur % 0.035 0.04 Dried Distillers Moisture 9.27% Grain w/ solubles BTU / lb. 8459 9422 Ash % 4.16% 4.13% Sulfur % 0.4 0.45 Dried Distillers Moisture 13.35% Grain with out solubles BTU / lb. 8473 TO 9848 Ash % 1.96% 2.24% Sulfur % 0.34 0.4 Hardwood Pellet Moisture 7.08% BTU / lb. 7955 TO 8573 Ash % 0.34% 0.36% Sulfur % 0.01 0.01 Oats Moisture 12.49% BTU / lb. 7143 TO 8242 Ash % 3.17% 3.58% Sulfur % 0.135 0.16 Soybeans Moisture 10.25% BTU / lb. 8783 TO 10230 Ash % 5.19% 6.22% Sulfur % 0.29 0.33 Soybean Hulls Moisture 11.38% BTU / lb. 6660 TO 7570 Ash % 4.17% 4.22% Sulfur % 0.07 0.08 Straw - wheat Moisture 8.26% BTU / lb. 6839 TO 7375 Ash % 10.40% 11.33% Sulfur % 0.07 0.075 Straw - oat Moisture 6.91% BTU / lb. 7153 TO 7626 Ash % 7.90% 8.49% Sulfur % 0.05 0.055 Sugar Beet Pulp Moisture 9.70% BTU / lb. 6597 TO 7345 Ash % 3.80% 4.31% Sulfur % 0.14 0.16 Sunflower Hulls Moisture 8.65% BTU / lb. 8474 TO 9654 Ash % 2.86% 3.13% Sulfur % 0.14 0.15 Wheat Middlings Moisture 12.58% BTU / lb. 7228 TO 8415 Ash % 5.18% 6.00% Sulfur % 0.15 0.17 Wheat Moisture 10.38% (Hard Red Spring) BTU / lb. 7159 TO 8063 Ash % 2.08% 2.28% Sulfur % 0.20 0.22 Methods: Moisture: ASTM D3173; Ash: ASTM D3174; Btu/lb: ASTM D1989; Sulfur: ASTM D4293 |
| OTHER MATERIAL TEST RESULTS The least ash content and the least moisture results in the cleanest burning characteristics. |
| PELLET SPECS Pellet Fuels Institute The Pellet Fuels Institute has designated the standards listed below for pellets. Compliance to the standards by pellet manufacturers is voluntary. PREMIUM GRADE: Less than 1% inorganic ash content. STANDARD GRADE: Less than 3% inorganic ash content. COMMERCIAL GRADE: More than 3% inorganic ash content. DIMENSION: Diameter of 1/4 inch to 5/16 inch LENGTH: Less than or equal to 1.5”. FINES CONTENT: Not more than 0.5% by weight; must pass through 1/8-inch screen. SODIUM ADVISORY: Natural uncontaminated wood has less than 300 ppm of water- soluble sodium. Larger amounts may be found in funnels made from particleboard, agricultural residues, paper and other materials, and wood contaminated with salt. |
| European DIN Standards Quality Standards Pellets Standard Units as per Austrian Standard 7135 Standard Units as per German Standard DIN51731 Standard Units per DIN plus Austrian German Din Plus Diameter mm 4 to 12mm 4 to 10mm Length mm 5 x D1 <50 5 x D1 Density kg/dm³ >1.12 < 1.0 >1.12 Water Contents % < 10 < 12 < 10 Ash % < 0.50 < 1.50 < 0.50 Heating Value MJ/kg > 18 17.5 <HV< 19.5 > 18 Sulphur % < 0.04 < 0.08 < 0.04 Nitrogen % < 0.3 < 0.3 < 0.02 Chlorine % < 0.02 < 0.03 < 0.02 Friction Loss % < 2 <2 < 2 1 max. 20% of the pellet pressed mass can have lengths up to 7.5 x Diameter. 2 The DIN standard prohibits additives. However, this prohibition is negated through the regulation concerning the operation of small heating units. Consequently, no limit remains for press aids. |
| Superior Wood Products Specifications Moisture Total 4.67% To 6.37% Ash % <1.0% Max Pellet Length 1.0045 in Pellet Dia 0.2905 in % Fines <0.5% Bulk Density <40.5 lbs/cu.ft. Water soluble sodium 120 ppm (0.0120%) Heating Value BTU/LB. 8100 To 8349 |
"There will be significant corrosion in standard pellet stoves from
combustion of any non-wood biomass. Wood also causes
corrosion, but not nearly as much. The worst corrosion I have seen
was from burning 100% corn, the exhaust pipes completely rusted
away in less than a year. Many corn stoves recommended special
pipes that resist corrosion. Producing grass with a minimum of Cl
and K content will minimize corrosion potential. Overall I suppose
that grass has more corrosion potential than corn. Diluting the
effects of grass by mixing with other fuels will not eliminate
corrosion, just reduce the rate of corrosion. The other solution
would be to produce stoves that resist corrosion, as is done in
Europe. “
combustion of any non-wood biomass. Wood also causes
corrosion, but not nearly as much. The worst corrosion I have seen
was from burning 100% corn, the exhaust pipes completely rusted
away in less than a year. Many corn stoves recommended special
pipes that resist corrosion. Producing grass with a minimum of Cl
and K content will minimize corrosion potential. Overall I suppose
that grass has more corrosion potential than corn. Diluting the
effects of grass by mixing with other fuels will not eliminate
corrosion, just reduce the rate of corrosion. The other solution
would be to produce stoves that resist corrosion, as is done in
Europe. “
CORROSION
Average Energy Content of Various Fuels
1 kilowatt-hour of electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,413 Btu
1 cubic foot of natural gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,008 to 1,034 Btu
1 therm of natural gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100,000 Btu
1 gallon of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95,475 Btu
1 gallon of crude oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138,095 Btu
1 barrel of crude oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,800,000 Btu
1 gallon of kerosene or light distillate oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135,000 Btu
1 gallon of middle distillate or diesel fuel oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138,690 Btu
1 gallon of residual fuel oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149,690 Btu
1 gallon of gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125,000 Btu
1 gallon of ethanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84,400 Btu
1 gallon of methanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62,800 Btu
1 gallon of gasohol (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120,900 Btu
1 pound of coal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,100 to 13,000 Btu
1 ton of coal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16,200,000 to 26,000,000 Btu
1 ton of coke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26,000,000 Btu
1 ton of wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,000,000 to 17,000,000 Btu
1 standard cord of wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18,000,000 to 24,000,000 Btu
1 face cord of wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,000,000 to 8,000,000 Btu
1 pound of low pressure steam (recoverable heat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000 Btu
Measurement Conversions
1 short ton (ton) = 2,000 pounds = 6.65 barrels (crude oil)
1 metric ton (tonn) = 2,200 pounds
1 barrel (bbl) = 42 gallons = 5.615 cubic feet = 159.0 liters
1 Mcf = 1,000 cubic feet
1 therm = 105 Btu = 100,000 Btu
1 thousand Btu (KBtu) = 1,000 Btu
1 million Btu (MMBtu) = 1,000,000 Btu
1 quad = 1015 (quadrillion) Btu or 1,000,000,000 MMBtu
1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) = 1,000 watt-hours
1 megawatt-hour (MWh) = 1,000 kWh or 1,000,000 watt-hours
1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) = 1,000 MWh or 1,000,000,000 watt-hours
1 gallon = 4.524 pounds liquefied petroleum gas
1 standard cord of wood = 8 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet = 128 cubic feet = approx. 4,000 lbs.
1 face cord of wood = 8 feet x 4 feet x 16 inches = 42.7 cubic feet = approx. 1,333 lbs.
1 kilowatt-hour of electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,413 Btu
1 cubic foot of natural gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,008 to 1,034 Btu
1 therm of natural gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100,000 Btu
1 gallon of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95,475 Btu
1 gallon of crude oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138,095 Btu
1 barrel of crude oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,800,000 Btu
1 gallon of kerosene or light distillate oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135,000 Btu
1 gallon of middle distillate or diesel fuel oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138,690 Btu
1 gallon of residual fuel oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149,690 Btu
1 gallon of gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125,000 Btu
1 gallon of ethanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84,400 Btu
1 gallon of methanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62,800 Btu
1 gallon of gasohol (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120,900 Btu
1 pound of coal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,100 to 13,000 Btu
1 ton of coal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16,200,000 to 26,000,000 Btu
1 ton of coke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26,000,000 Btu
1 ton of wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,000,000 to 17,000,000 Btu
1 standard cord of wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18,000,000 to 24,000,000 Btu
1 face cord of wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,000,000 to 8,000,000 Btu
1 pound of low pressure steam (recoverable heat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000 Btu
Measurement Conversions
1 short ton (ton) = 2,000 pounds = 6.65 barrels (crude oil)
1 metric ton (tonn) = 2,200 pounds
1 barrel (bbl) = 42 gallons = 5.615 cubic feet = 159.0 liters
1 Mcf = 1,000 cubic feet
1 therm = 105 Btu = 100,000 Btu
1 thousand Btu (KBtu) = 1,000 Btu
1 million Btu (MMBtu) = 1,000,000 Btu
1 quad = 1015 (quadrillion) Btu or 1,000,000,000 MMBtu
1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) = 1,000 watt-hours
1 megawatt-hour (MWh) = 1,000 kWh or 1,000,000 watt-hours
1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) = 1,000 MWh or 1,000,000,000 watt-hours
1 gallon = 4.524 pounds liquefied petroleum gas
1 standard cord of wood = 8 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet = 128 cubic feet = approx. 4,000 lbs.
1 face cord of wood = 8 feet x 4 feet x 16 inches = 42.7 cubic feet = approx. 1,333 lbs.