RMIG's bridge slot screens optimise woodchip drying process

Scotland-based PWR Bioheat specialises in the installation of woodchip biomass boilers for use in biomass fuel production. It also delivers dried woodchip to farms that are utilising biomass boilers, which is where RMIG stepped in to provide assistance. PWR Bioheat had conducted research into effective biomass fuel production methods and contacted RMIG upon learning about its extensive experience of products for woodchip and grain drying in the German market.

In the woodchip drying process, warm air is passed through a flooring of 3mm to 5mm thick perforated metal sheets. This enables the equal distribution of warm air to woodchips, ensuring high controllability of the process. This prevents under-drying, which reduces energy efficiency and increases costs, and over-drying, which can remove too much moisture from the woodchips, therefore spoiling the batch.

Dougie Blair, Director at PWR Bioheat, says: "Biomass boilers offer farmers an excellent energy efficiency and cost saving opportunity. However, this is only true if the boiler is fed with correctly prepared and high-quality woodchips; feeding it with substandard fuel can be a costly mistake. RMIG's bridge slot screens play a key role in us achieving an optimum moisture content of 12-18 per cent in the most energy efficient manner, keeping our costs low but product quality high."

Discussing bridge slot screen options, Graham Driver, Technical Sales Manager at RMIG, comments: "Any farmer with a spare outhouse or container has the capability to operate a biomass production system. By installing a cost-effective system that features strong, well-designed bridge slot sheets, farmers can ensure the process is optimised to reduce energy bills and maximise the performance of their boiler."

To learn more about the perforated steel bridge slot screens and other products offered by RMIG, please click here.