Biomass

Hunt, Guillot, & Associates (HGA) personnel have been assisting companies with biomass projects for decades. HGA staff have served as engineers, project managers, maintenance managers, plant managers and owners of facilities that utilize biomass energy. In short, HGA staff have been involved with biomass projects from every angle and many have over 30 years experience in the industry. Through its in-house expertise, partners and outside re-sources HGA can advise on a variety of biomass technologies and applications:

Biomass Power Plants
In traditional biomass to power plants wood feedstock is burned to boil water & produce steam. The steam is used to turn turbines which generate electricity. Companies that produce wood products and paper have taken advantage of biomass energy for decades. HGA has assisted a number of companies in engineering, constructing, & operating this type of biomass facility.

Pellet Mills
Pellets are a form of renewable generally created from wood, but also able to be produced from other sources such as agri-wastes and animal litter. Raw materials are ground, dried, and pressed to produce pellets. The resulting pellets can be used in industrial settings such as co-firing with coal or used in residential wood burning stoves. There are several grades available, mainly differentiated by the level of ash produced and btu value. HGA is very knowledgeable in the development, engineering, & construction of pellet mill facilities.

Biomass Co-Firing & Conversion Projects
The most cost-effective way for utilities to meet renewable energy requirements is through co-firing of biomass with coal or conversion of existing small coal facilities to biomass. Introducing biomass material into a coal-fired boiler will reduce NOX and SOX emissions but only if the proper adjustments are made. CFD modeling and careful analysis of the biomass material characteristics are key steps to ensuring a successful project and maximizing the positive impact on emissions. By providing careful analysis on the front end HGA’s engineers and technical experts will ensure that the project is a success at start-up.

Biofuels
Biofuels are typically created through either yeast fermentation to create alcohols such as ethanol or processing to yield oils that can be used in biodiesel. Through its partner resources HGA can assist in the development, engineering, & construction of biofuel facilities.

How can HGA assist with your biomass project?