Introduction of Wood Chips in Controlled Manner for

Abstract

Firewood is the main thermal energy source in tea industry. But there are certain problems facing when it is using fuelwood such as lack of supply, low combustion efficiency of the existing system and low controllability etc. It has been found that high moisture content and inappropriate sizes are directly related to the low combustion efficiency. Wood chips, which are produced using wood logs, were introduced instead of wood logs as a fuel to reduce moisture level and physical size. In addition Griricidia pieces, which are produced by sticks, can be used instead of large wood logs. A pilot scale plant is in operation at Deen Side tea factory in Gampola, incorporation with a wood chipper, new grate and screw feeder(attaching a controller), without applying any modifications for the existing furnace. The screw feeder is equipped with a control system, to control wood chip feeding rate to the furnace maintaining the desirable temperature level inside the dryer. Wood chips were prepared using a chipper. The saving of fuel wood is about 40% by weight. The other advantages are reduction of warming up period, improvement of quality of made tea and user-friendly nature of the system.