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The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands.
Notice: this database, with the exception of the Biomass Utilization section, is not actively administered and has not been updated since 1/1/2010.
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Title: |
Biomass Boiler Project, WY - Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp
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Type: |
Biomass utilization
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Jurisdiction: |
State
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State: |
Wyoming
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Program Description: |
Wyoming - Wood Fired Boiler Demonstration Project
Background
In 2009, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD) received a grant from Western Governors� Association to create a demonstration project to use cellulosic biomass to heat a public building. The Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp (WHCC) was chosen as the site for the wood boiler demonstration project. The Camp is a minimum security facility operated by the WY Department of Corrections (DOC). WSFD staff, in conjunction with DOC �employees� (inmates), perform forestry and community service projects. Inmates are supervised by WSFD employees for these daily projects which include the labor to collect non-merchantable woody biomass from State owned forest land to be utilized in the wood boiler. The boiler heats the 7,500 square foot Forestry Building and the 3,000 square foot Department of Corrections building, and also heats domestic hot water. The biomass replaces propane as the source of fuel for these two buildings.
Anticipated Savings
The wood used in the boiler would have been piled and burned, causing air pollution, if it were not used as fuel. The first month of usage of the wood boiler showed a reduction of propane use from 212 cu ft in October, 2008 to 1 cu ft in October, 2009. This represented a savings of $1,068.00 at the 2008 price for propane, however with reduced fuel charges in 2009, the savings was actually about $720. for the month. It is projected that the total annual savings will be about $17,000 at 2008 propane prices.
Lessons Learned
The WSFD reports some problems with the new system. The wood supply was not as dry as desired, causing the fire to go out often. This resulted in greater than expected creosote buildup. This was corrected by changing the wood supply and having the boiler checked and filled late at night. Also, the return water temperature was lower than recommended by the manufaturer. Adjustments were made to the amount of space heated with the biomass boiler to help maintain the return water temperature. Some additional adjustments may still need to be made to get the system operating optimally.
Budget
Total cost of the project was $37,604.00. This includes the boiler for $12,755.00, thermopex insulated pipe $3,451.00, Fittings, valves and pumps $9,371.00, labor $12,027.00 and permits $286.00.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Dan Perko,
Deputy State Forester
WY State Forestry Division
Office 307-777-5659
Fax 307-777-5986
[email protected]
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