Energy And Raw Material Potentials Of Wood Residue In The Pacific Coast States

Results are reported of a preliminary investigation of feasibility of using wood residue to meet energy and raw material needs in the Pacific Coast States. Magnitude of needs was examined and volume of logging-residue and unused mill residue was estimated. Costs of obtaining and preprocessing logging residue for energy and pulp and particle board raw material were estimated and compared with selling values of mill residue fuel, pulp chips, and particle board. Marginally feasible energy use seemed best suited for inplant steam and power production by the wood industry, Although raw material selling values make wood residue use for products more attractive than for electric power generation, even these returns are seldom sufficient to meet the high costs of delivering logging residue for such use alone. Production of higher valued products or public absorption of extra costs of utilization can make these residue management alternatives more feasible.

Results are reported of a preliminary investigation of feasibility of using wood residue to meet energy and raw material needs in the Pacific Coast States. Magnitude of needs was examined and volume of logging-residue and unused mill residue was estimated. Costs of obtaining and preprocessing logging residue for energy and pulp and particle board raw material were estimated and compared with selling values of mill residue fuel, pulp chips, and particle board. Marginally feasible energy use seemed best suited for inplant steam and power production by the wood industry, Although raw material selling values make wood residue use for products more attractive than for electric power generation, even these returns are seldom sufficient to meet the high costs of delivering logging residue for such use alone. Production of higher valued products or public absorption of extra costs of utilization can make these residue management alternatives more feasible.

The need for additional sources of energy and raw material in the forest products industry enhances the opportunity to improve timber utilization by reducing logging residue. This is particularly true on the Pacific Coast where some 14 million tons of logging residue accumulate each year and where some 3 million tons of unused bark create a disposal problem at mills. The need to replace natural gas and oil to generate process steam or for drying with hot gases has given impetus to improved wood and bark combustion to provide needed energy without violating air quality standards. Cylindrical furnaces burning finely ground (minus 1/8 inch) bark or wood are being installed for lumber and veneer drying. New emission control systems and predriers are being adapted to fire large furnaces with wood or bark. The projected annual growth rate of 5 percent in U.S. and world pulp production has focused attention on forest residues as a source of fiber. Recent increases in chip prices help offset the high cost of logging residue, particularly if former disposal costs are credited to residue removal. Changes in timber sale procedures to facilitate more complete timber utilization are considered essential. Such proposed changes as negotiated lump sum sales, service contracts, and compound contracts are described briefly to indicate types of sale modifications that have been proposed. In summary, more complete timber utilization on the Pacific Coast may: (1) Add substantially to the available raw material supply8.4 million tons additional raw, (2) Add another energy source to that currently available as mill residue4.0 million bone-dry tons for fuel annually. (3) Protect thin soils by restricting or eliminating the amount of slash burning required. (4) Decrease air pollution by reducing the required amount of slash burning. (5) Reduce the debris that could interfere with streamflow and affect water quality. (6) Improve scenic values by reducing visible debris. (7) Improve recreational opportunities by providing easier access and a more acceptable environment. (8) Reduce public criticism of land management policies and much of the basis for public pressure to restrict clearcutting.

Fuels and Energy from Renewable Resources is a result of the proceedings of a symposium of the same name, held at the 1977 Fall Meeting of the American Chemical Society. The book addresses the issue of energy planning and includes the incorporation of crop and conifer residues into the development of energy supply. The text covers the different papers from multiple disciplines that discuss the full value of other resources. The papers also talk about the necessary amount of energy needed; the contribution of renewable resources; the possible uses of wood as an energy source and the competition that may arise from it; and the analysis of the usefulness of forest fuels. The pyrolysis-gasification-combustion process on wood; the logistics of energy resources; and other renewable resources, such as bagasse, manure, and waste, are also discussed. The book is recommended for experts who are exploring resources for alternative and renewable energy and aiming to educate others about it.