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Wood chips in the OWB ?

Discussion in 'OWB's and Gasification Boilers' started by J bird, Aug 28, 2021.

  1. J bird

    J bird

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    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.
     
  2. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    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)
     
  3. yooperdave

    yooperdave

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    I think I'd pass on the wood chips also.
     
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  4. OhioStihl

    OhioStihl

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    Good for mulch but that’s about it.
     
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  5. chris

    chris

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    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.
     
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  6. amateur cutter

    amateur cutter

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    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.
     
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