Peat pellets production and usage as environmentally-friendly local fuel

Abstract

Laboratory trials with peat preparation and usage for energy purposes were carried out in Aleksandras Stulginskis University and Lithuanian Energy Institute. Peat suitability for solid fuel production in Lithuania was investigated and peat pellets biometrical and physical-mechanical properties were performed; energy productivity as well as impact to the environment during burning process was investigated. Crumbly peat was dried, milled and granulated by a small capacity (100-120 kg h-1) granulator with a horizontal granulator matrix. After pellets cooling, their biometrical parameters were determined: dimensions, moisture content, volume and density. Investigated peat pellets average moisture content was of 11.6±0.7 %; pellets density was very high and reached 1067.1±30.9 kg m-3 DM (dry mass). After burning of peat pellets, comparatively high ash content was determined – 7.16±0.23% and very high net calorific value of peat pellets dry mass – 20.10±0.49 KJ kg-1. After determination of harmful substances emissions into the atmosphere when burning of peat pellets, it has been concluded that this investigated fuel can be used as environmentally-friendly local fuel because it slightly pollutes the environment and harmful emissions are within the permissible values.