FUEL STANDARD / SPECIFICATION

Recommended Wood Fuel Specifications, PA Fuels for Schools and Communities

Approved for release, January, 2015

Purpose:

The purpose of this specification is to provide guidance to fuel users and manufacturers as they establish and operate wood energy projects. This specification was developed by manufacturers and end users of commercial wood heat systems, and is suitable for most facilities. Continued iInput from suppliers, industry, and end users is encouraged.

 

Category A: Medium Clean Chip
Wood Species or Type >90% hardwood "virgin wood" only
Moisture Content (% by mass, wet basis) No greater than 50%
Energy Value (as received, BTU/lb HHV) >5,000
Smallest Wood Particle Size 0.25" (max dimension), no sander dust or wood flour
Largest Wood Particle Size not to exceed 3" x 3" x 1/2"
Bark, Leaves, Twigs, etc? No
Percent "Overs" (oversized material, % by mass) Not to exceed 1%
Ash Content (% by mass) Not to exceed 3%
Sustainability Metric Follow BMPs for sustainable management practices

 

 

Category B: SRWC (Short Rotation Woody Crop) Chip
Wood Species or Type >90% hardwood "virgin wood" only
Moisture Content (% by mass, wet basis) No greater than 50%
Energy Value (as received, BTU/lb HHV) >5,000
Smallest Wood Particle Size 0.25" (max dimension), no sander dust or wood flour
Largest Wood Particle Size not to exceed 3" x 3" x 1"
Bark, Leaves, Twigs, etc? Yes
Percent "Overs" (oversized material, % by mass) Not to exceed 1%
Ash Content (% by mass) Not to exceed 3%
Sustainability Metric Follow BMPs for sustainable management practices

 

Category C: Medium Variable Chip
Wood Species or Type hardwood or softwood, "virgin wood" only
Moisture Content (% by mass, wet basis) No greater than 50%
Energy Value (as received, BTU/lb HHV) >4,500
Smallest Wood Particle Size 0.25" (max dimension), no sander dust or wood flour
Largest Wood Particle Size not to exceed 3" x 3" x 1/2"
Bark, Leaves, Twigs, etc? No
Percent "Overs" (oversized material, % by mass) Not to exceed 1%
Ash Content (% by mass) Not to exceed 5%
Sustainability Metric Follow BMPs for sustainable management practices

 

Notes: