I have the opportunity to get wood chips from a couple of local tree guys. I was wondering if anybody has ever tried wood chips in their OWB ? Idk how it may work but I may give it a try. Let me know what you think.
I've read of guys trying this...guess it doesn't work too well...extremely hard to get any real volume of chips dry, and if they aren't dry they don't burn very well...more of a smolder. Even the dry ones don't do that well in a standard boiler...due to the pile not getting air too well I think...I know I've tried to burn dry sawdust in a regular stove and was surprised that it just kinda smolders too...I expected it too burn like gun powder (which it will if you throw a little bit on some screaming hot coals...but then a greater volume just suffocates it)
If you can get them dry and then need to load on a grate to get more air flow. Overseas saw dust burner- they spray the saw dust in, in a controlled volume. Wood chips would likely work well in a Rocket stove application similar to the feed system on the Wise Way, or the one made in Ohio, controlled drop from a hopper.
Wood chips need air from the bottom like coal, they need to be in a thin layer & fed at a steady pace. Don't go there with a regular boiler, it will be very disappointing.