Rate and peak concentrations of off-gas emissions in stored wood pellets - Sensitivities to temperature, relative humidity, and headspace volume

Abstract

Wood pellets emit CO, CO2, CH4, and other volatiles during storage. Increased concentration of these gases in a sealed storage causes depletion of concentration of oxygen. The storage environment becomes toxic to those who operate in and around these storages. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature, moisture, and the relative size of storage headspace on emissions from wood pellets in an enclosed space. Twelve 10-l plastic containers were used to study the effects of headspace ratio (25, 50, and 75% of container volume) and temperatures (10-50°C). Another eight containers were set in uncontrolled storage relative humidity (RH) and temperature. Concentrations of CO2, CO, and CH4 were measured by gas chromatography (GC). The results showed that emissions of CO2, CO, and CH4 from stored wood pellets are more sensitive to storage temperature than to RH and the relative volume of headspace. Higher peak emission factors are associated with higher temperatures. Increased headspace volume ratio increases peak off-gas emissions because of the availability of oxygen associated with pellet decomposition. Increased RH in the enclosed container increases the rate of off-gas emissions of CO2, CO, and CH4 and oxygen depletion.