Forestry & Energy Review - Vol 1 Issue 1 Summer/Autumn 2012

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THE NEED FOR FUTURE TIMBER SECURITY

BIOMASS HANDLING FOR FUEL GENERATION

APF 2012 EXHIBITION

>> SEE PAGE 20

>> SEE PAGE 32

>> SEE PAGE 18

THE BIGGEST YET

Forestry&Energy Volume 1 Issue 1 Summer/Autumn 2012 Price £2.95 (Stg)

R E V I E W

PROVIDING A VOICE FOR THE FORESTRY AND ENERGY INDUSTRIES

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Foreword/Contents/Credits

Forestry&Energy R E V I E W

Volume 1 Issue 1 Summer/Autumn 2012

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Foreword

18 APF 2012 – THE BIGGEST YET

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elcome to the 1st Edition of Forestry and Energy Review Magazine.

The UK Forestry Standard published by the Forest Service outlines the Governments approach to sustainable forestry and was updated in 2011. Forests and woodlands cover 45% of Europe’s land area. In the UK this figure is 13% and amounts to 3 million hectares (approx.)…of this the Public Forest Estate equates to 30%.

The other 70% of woodlands are owned by a diverse range of individuals and groups; Farmers, family trusts, charitable trusts, local groups and companies.There are an estimated 60,000 farm woodland holdings.

The UK Government is committed to maintaining or increasing it’s forest area.

In this issue we cover a selection of key topics which include an in-depth analysis of Timber Supply Security in the UK,the attitude of the public to the use of woods and forests as an amenity and the need for a consistent and longer term planting policy by Dr Andrew Cameron of the University of Aberdeen.

There is much talk about future Oil and Gas Supplies on planet earth with the ‘tipping–point’being hotly debated.However there is no doubt that consumption of energy is ever increasing as the world develops. Kevin Lindegaard argues the case in favour of Energy Crops and that for the grower they can be a ‘good-earner’ when compared to other land use.

This edition also offers a series of profiles on diverse companies such as Silvatec, M Large,and Bio Equipment through to a very interesting case study on a pelleting plant by Game Engineering.

Finally we hope to see you all at APF 2012 which promises to be bigger and better than ever before ably assembled

by Ian Millward and his Team.

We would like to thank the many people that helped bring this publication together to whom we are very grateful.

We trust you will enjoy reading this new publication which will aim to provide a voice for the Forestry and Energy sectors.

You can also download this publication electronically to your computer, iPad and smartphone.

APF 2012, takes place on the 13/14/15th September at Ragley Estate,Alcester,Warwickshire, courtesy of the Marquess Of Hertford.

20 THE NEED FOR FUTURE TIMBER SECURITY FROM FORESTRY

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Wood is viewed as a ‘low carbon’ alternative for concrete and steel, and is increasingly seen as an important source of ‘green’ energy, yet securing our future timber supplies has not been seen as a priority within our society, writes Andrew Cameron of the Department of Forestry, University of Aberdeen.

24 WHY WE NEED ENERGY CROPS IN THE UK During troubled economic times people start to think about self sufficiency, writes Kevin Lindegaard (Crops for Energy).

Profiles 24

4 SILVATEC – PROVIDING A HIGHLY SUITABLE RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR THE UK MARKET Silvatec continue to be in a position to deliver products of a very high quality and to market competitive prices.

28 BIOEQUIPMENT LTD Bioequipment Ltd supplies the forestry and bioenergy industries with complete equipment and machinery resources and has a team of professionals with over 50 years experience.

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Until the next time………

The Publishers Forestry & Energy Review Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Enquiries: Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: James Small Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade

Features

Contributors: Andrew Cameron, Department of Forestry, University of Aberdeen Karen Jacklin,GAME Engineering Ltd David Burkitt,GAME Engineering Ltd Kevin Lindegaard, Crops for Energy

30 “LARGE’’ PLANS FOR 2012 M Large Tree Services Ltd continues to offer products for some of world’s leading forestry manufacturers, whilst further developing their own range of quality forestry products.

32 GAME ENGINEERING LTD GAME Engineering Ltd are regarded as one of the leading engineering companies specialising in the Biomass Handling for Fuel Generation, writes Karen Jacklin and David Burkitt.

Published by: Select Media Ltd, 19 Clare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel. + 353 1 6622266 Fax. + 353 1 6624981 Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Forestry and Energy Review 2012 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

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SILVATEC

SILVATEC – A HIGHLY SUITABLE RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR THE UK MARKET

ilvatec has experienced some turbulent years due to several maneuverable in UK and Irish forests, while still retaining its class causes, which are all now history.We are now looking forward. leading ground clearance.

The Sleipner is equipped with the latest and most advanced In order to create the necessary and positive development there are certain things that need to be accomplished e.g., knowledge engine technology from Mercedes and crane technology from of the trade, customer service, controlled technological development and Mesera Loglift. Engine performance is monitored and controlled last but not least a good deal of common sense. Over the last months we through IQAN and the dedicated and highly user friendly TM have started projects to ensure that Silvatec will continue to be in a position system controls the harvesting head.The spacious cabin of the to deliver products of a very high quality and to market competitive Sleipner harvester has large rounded windows, which gives the driver a perfect view through 360º.The machine is extremely prices. versatile and is capable of a variety of different tasks, such as thinning, clear felling, feller bunching as well as operation on steep slopes – right THE SILVATEC PRODUCTS up to 45º–with the advanced BOSS all–terrain system.

HARVESTER Sleipner is the strongest horse among both gods and humans in Nordic mythology and is easily recognized by its 8 legs. Even the FORWARDER master of all gods, Odin, chose Sleipner as his horse to face the Silvatec’s newly developed forwarder Sleipner 814TF is the most difficult challenges. latest addition to the Sleipner series of machines. It’s developed In that spirit, the Silvatec Sleipner harvester has been designed with special focus on driver comfort and features a specially

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“In order to create the necessary and positive development there are certain things that need to be accomplished e.g., knowledge of the trade, customer service, controlled technological development and last but not least a good deal of common sense” and developed by an industrial designer in close cooperation with several long established contractors, that way all possible refinements have been taken into consideration to make the working day in the forest as pleasant and efficient as possible.

The Sleipner is an 8–wheeled machine with a very low center of gravity, that combined with the fact that it is a very narrow machine, down to 2,65 m in width, makes it exceptionally

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designed cabin with 270º rotation for optimum view.

The cabin can be tilted in all directions allowing the driver to select the ergonomically best and most comfortable position in all situations.The forwarder is also designed to be the logistical workhorse in forest operations. As a member of the Sleipner family it is of course built from the same high quality components and high tensile steel as the harvester.

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SILVATEC

CHIPPING CONCEPT The Silvatec Grane chipper is the spearhead of a unique industrial chipping concept comprising the self–propelled chipper and a chip forwarder, both designed to deliver large quantities of chips for use as bio–fuel.The concept was initially developed in cooperation with the largest supplier of wood chips in Denmark – Danish forest managing and contracting company, Hededanmark – and offers the most efficient and economical logistic setup available in the Market to retrieve bio mass in the forest and deliver finished chips at roadside either in stacks or containers ready for road transport.

The Silvatec chipping concept has proved itself over more than 15 years as an efficient, low cost platform for industrial production of high quality bio–fuel chips for heating plants in Northern Europe.

The unique benefits are obtained through chipping directly in the forest where the trees have been felled without being delimbed, thus eliminating unnecessary transportation of “empty volume” or suffering a loss of potentially profitable bio mass’ that would otherwise follow from delimbing and forwarding of logs to roadside chipping locations. Bio mass in tree crowns and branches may add up to as much as 25% in extra chip volume with no extra effort. tractive power. IQAN control system to control engine, crane and The Silvatec Grane 8325CH chipper features significant novelties chipper feeding mechanism. A larger chip container (20m3), in its most recent version.The chipper now comes with a larger larger NAF bogies for increased terrain handling capabilities and engine (240 kW) offering increased transmission torque and 700 tyres to keep ground pressure down.

“The Silvatec chipping concept has proved itself over more than 15 years as an efficient, low cost platform for industrial production of high quality bio-fuel chips for heating plants in Northern Europe”

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SILVATEC

HARVESTING HEADS

grip on the logs.The head has a 100 cm saw bar and 19 ccm saw motor, with an additional top saw if required.The 665 head is typically fitted to tracked carriers from 25 to 35 tonnes.

The Silvatec harvesting head family joins forces with the TM2200 control and measuring system.The TM2200 system is a multi– optional system incorporating a “state of the art” touch screen display, yet it is exceptionally operator friendly.

Price, distribution, logging limits and colour marking matrixes are used to ensure full optimization and added value to the harvesting operation. Optional equipment includes GPS mapping and electronic calipers for accurate calibration. Data transfer via e–mail and remote service and fault finding via internet connection to the Silvatec factory.

Silvatec also produces multiple stem handling feller–buncher heads for use in bio–energy applications, site clearance work and amenity work such as clearing railway lines. In addition a tiltable grapple saw is available for fitting on forwarders or self– propelled chippers. The tilting action allows single stems to be felled and loaded directly to a forwarder in one action.

The Silvatec harvesting head family comprises heads for all purposes and in all sizes.They are commonly designed for: long life–Maximum efficiency and performance–Flexibility in application.

Our 235MD35 is an ideal head for first and second thinnings with a delimbing diameter up to 350 mm and a felling diameter up to 450 mm. It combines fast speed with a knife control system that securely holds the trees whilst being processed providing maximum productivity.

The 335MD40 is designed for thinning and has a special top delimbing knife.The combination of five efficient, movable

“The Silvatec harvesting head family comprises heads for all purposes and in all sizes.They are commonly designed for: long life – Maximum efficiency and performance – Flexibility in application” delimbing knives, one fixed knife, extremely good feeding power (19,5 kN) and speed up to 5 m/s makes this a fast and efficient head, which easily handles rough branches. Max delimbing/felling diameters are 400 mm and 500 mm respectively.

The 450 model is a relatively light weight, all–round head with a high 29 kN feeding power and a strong chassis making it ideal for both fast work in thinning, clear felling, work on steep slopes and excavator mounting. It delivers quality delimbing up to a maximum of 550 mm along with a 64 or 75 cm saw bar.

Designed for clear felling, the 560 is a heavy duty head with a high feeding power of 37 kN, an excellent start up torque and a feeding speed of 0–5 m/s along with a 75 to 90 cm saw bar.The knives and feed roller pressures are fully proportional according to the trunk diameter and the pressures can be adjusted directly from the cab.Although the 560 is designed for use with the Silvatec Sleipner harvester, it is also a popular add–on to excavators from 17 to 25 tonnes, due to its exceptional strength and robustness.

Both the Silvatec 450 and 560 are now available with Hultdins Super Cut in conjunction with Parkers F11–IP saw motor providing the ultimate cutting speed and overall productivity in use with the Silvatec Sleipner harvester.

The 665MD70 is a large harvesting head for heavy duty timber – delimbing diameter up to 700 mm, felling diameter up to 800 mm – The rollers are slightly inclined providing an extremely good

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“Silvatec also produces multiple stem handling feller–buncher heads for use in bio–energy applications,site clearance work and amenity work such as clearing railway lines”

For further information contact: Ronnie Curran, Tel: 07825894768, Email: rcu@silvatec.com www.silvatec.com

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

GREENMECH QUAD TRAK 160 G www.greenmech.co.uk

reenMech’s Quad Trak 160, is based on the successful Quad Chip 160 and is a combination of ideas from the customers and the latest technology in the business. The end result being a tracked chipper that fulfils all the requirements of today’s tree surgeons maintaining quality, performance and reliability.

The QuadTrak 160 is a tracked 6–inch (160mm x 230mm) capacity wood chipper with an optional turntable and tilt system.This new machine follows the design of the successful QuadChip 160 road tow machine.

With the new design, the QuadTrak 160 is good from any angle.

The track system allows the machine to be tilted for stability when working on slopes for up to 30 degrees and assures the correct flow of oil to the engine. The track system also gives good ground clearance of up to 11–inches (280mm) with a belly pan to enable the QuadTrak 160 to slide easily over hidden stumps etc.

Powered by a 34hp Kubota turbo–charged diesel engine.The high the QuadTrak 160 blades offer an increased time period between throughput of each machine is provided by dual vertical feed rollers rotations and a simple removal and sharpening process. and a 6–inch x9-inch (160mm x 230mm) letterbox opening, offering GreenMech have blended cutting edge design with proven an exceptional crushing capacity on difficult branches and fast technology and utilised modern materials and traditional engineering processing of leafy brash. to produce a chipper that will stand up to years of use in arbori– The wide operating platform positioned to give good access to culture, one of the most demanding land based industries. controls and offers great visibility, allowing for safe and efficient For further information please contact Martin Lucas at tracking.

GreenMech Ltd on: Tel: 01 789400044 Fax: 01 789400167 The QuadTrak 160 features a new square blade system.An evolution Email: sales@greenmech.co.uk of the successful and popular disc–blade that Greenmech pioneered, Website: www.greenmech.co.uk

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

ALBA TREES www.albatrees.co.uk

BE–GE SEATING

lba Trees is expanding nursery production to meet a rapidly increasing demand from the energy sector. By concentrating on growing cell–grown trees, Alba Trees is well–placed to grasp the opportunity; cell grown trees establish better than bare root trees and can be planted all year, making them ideally suited to the unpredictable British climate.

Many forest owners are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the correct provenance or genetic quality trees for their planting scheme.

That is why Alba Trees is taking orders for long term supply, allowing customers to secure an assured supply of quality trees. Native trees of local provenance and genetically improved trees are both available as forest owners become more interested in planting fast–growing trees for wood energy on shortened rotations of 10–20 years.Alba Trees consistently secures seed from the highest quality stands including from the Future Trees Trust, the UK’s premier hardwood tree breeding programme.

Being the sunniest place in Scotland,Alba Trees’East Lothian site ensures fantastic growth during the summer, whilst still being far enough north to fully harden the trees off over the winter.That is why Alba Trees reliably produces 8 million trees per year to a consistent quality.

For further information visit the website www.albatrees.co.uk or email: sales@albatrees.co.uk Tel: 01 620 825058

e–Ge Seating AB are pleased to announce the new appointment of Gary Shaw as General Manager of Be–Ge Seating UK Ltd. Gary joined the Be–Ge group 6 years ago responsible for our M1 passenger seat market, mainly dealing with the “Blue Light Sector” supplying passenger seats in Ambulances, Police and Fire vehicles. Before joining Be–Ge he worked for the Port Container handling company Valmet and the Forklift manufacturer Linde.

Gary Shaw explains “Our 3000 seat has now being introduced by three major forestry machine OEM’s as their high end option seat, to cater for the growing demand of a luxury seat with excellent vibration properties, we also offer a wide range of armrest/joystick controls, Isolation dampers both 2 and 4 way which can be adjusted on 6 levels.”

“We can also offer as an option our Our HealthVib®inSeat which is built into the seat and interfaces with our Vibindicator™ together they provide a warning system for measuring and indicating body vibration exposure in accordance with the EU Directives 2002/44EG concerning vibrations in the workplace.”

For further information contact: Be–Ge Seating UK Ltd, Unit 3, The Fulcrum, Lows Lane, Stanton, Derbyshire, DE7 4QU, UK. Tel: 0844 800558 Fax: 0844 800559 Email: gary.shaw@be–ge.co.uk Gary Shaw, General Manager of Website: www.be–ge.co.uk Be–Ge Seating UK Ltd

www.be–ge.co.uk

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS CHRISTIE-ELITE Nurseries Ltd EXAC–ONE www.buy–trees.co.uk

hristie–Elite Nurseries Ltd is a specialist producer of genetically superior trees based in the Highlands.It has supplied high quality planting stock to the UK forest industry for more than 15 years. The nursery produces around 8 million trees a year for both wholesale and retail customers.The trees are supplied as bare root transplants,seedling undercuts or cell–grown plants up to 60cms – the only forestry nursery to offer this range in the UK. There’s a comprehensive selection of native species such as Caledonian pine available, grown from seed from the widest possible range of UK provenances. The nursery conducts annual birch,willow,rowan,alder and oak seed collections across the north.

The trees are easy to handle, vigorous and establish readily even in difficult conditions. In addition to seedling stock, the nursery offers a range of transplants and cell–grown products from most provenance zones. Hedging species can be supplied to a standard mix, by the metre, or as individual species to suit customers’ requirements. A wide variety of specialist christmas tree species are grown under a regime designed to produce favourable characterisitcs and the nursery also specialises in contract grows for clients; a contract grow allows precise selection of size, form and species, for which substantial discounts can be offered on the usual wholesale prices.

Whatever your tree requirements, speak to them at the nursery on Tel: 01309 672 633, or at email: orders@christie–elite.co.uk and they will be happy to discuss your individual needs.

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www.exac–one.co.uk

xac–One has been involved with excavators and also attachments in the forestry industry for many years, originally as contractors and for the last 10 years or so as a specialist supplier of excavator attachments. The company combines an extensive portfolio of products with a practical knowledge of work applications, extensive technical knowledge and full parts and service back up capability.

In addition to a wide range of Excavator mounted forestry and timber grabs of all types Exac–One also offers tree shears, timber splitters, stump grinders, mower/mulchers, Powertilts,Tiltrotators for use in woodland and forestry management operations as well as timber processing applications.

“With energy costs going through the roof, there is clearly a growing demand for processing all types of timber including tree stumps, roots, brash, thinnings etc which were previously considered to be a waste product, into a useable fuel source.These digger attachments certainly open up some interesting opportunities”comments Andrew Harker, Sales Manager of Exac–One. For further information contact: Andrew Harker, Exac–One Ltd. Worcester WR8 0QL. Email: info@exac–one.co.uk or visit the website www.exac–one.co.uk

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

HOME FORESTRY LLP www.homeforestry.co.uk

ome Forestry LLP is a forestry contracting company based near Bridgnorth in South Shropshire, specialising primarily in timber harvesting of both hard and softwood.They are also agents for a wide range of Forestry machinery including Alstor AB, the Swedish company that produce the Alstor 8x8 mini– forwarders and utility vehicles. Farma, the largest producer of forest cranes and trailers in Europe, with trailers from 6 to 14 tonne 4WD and forest cranes from 3.5 to 8.5m.Rabaud, a French company that produce a wide range of forestry and agricultural machinery.

Their range includes log splitters, fencing machines, winches, tree shears fire wood processors and a new range of 3–in–1 chippers with flails, blades or both.

Home Forestry LLP use a wide range of the equipment they sell as a part of their contracting business and offer demonstrations at their woodland site in Shropshire and at some of their work sites.

They find that the customers like to see the machines at work and can get a good feel of the quality and durability.

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Sales of machinery continue to increase in 2012 and their new website is very popular.They have many machines on the site, new and used and also offer videos to give customers a sense of what the machinery is capable of whist searching the internet.

The new RDPE grant in England is also having a positive effect on customers and seems to increase the appetite for re–investment into the industry.

If you require further information on the products they offer or would like a demonstration, please contact them for details or visit the website www.homeforestry.co.uk.

They will also be at the 2012 APF show, in September on the demonstration circuit with a wide range of machinery.

MICHAEL FAHEY

TIMBER CONTRACTING & TREE CARE SERVICES he services at Michael Fahey Timber Contracting & Tree

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Care Services include harvesting and purchasing of hardwood and softwood standing or at roadside, thinning and clearfell. Also, mature hardwood's purchased, or marketed for maximum value,estate management,both commercial and private

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and large and small amounts countrywide.They buy from private growers and management companies directly and they also carry out tree surgery, dangerous tree felling, stump grinding, chipping of waste and surveys, using the most modern equipment available with fully trained and certified staff. They are fully insured.

For further information please contact: Michael Fahey Timber Contracting & Tree Care Services Rahinch, Littleton, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, Ireland.

Tel/Fax: (+353) 0504 44541 Mobile: (+353) 087 2712967 or email: michaeljoefahey@eircom.net

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

SILVATEC SKOVMASKINER A/S CROFTER MACHINERY www.croftermachinery.co.uk

rofter machinery is a small family firm on the borders of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire with in easy reach of both the M1 and A1. Having 40 years experience in making Forestry, Agricultural and Equestrian machinery and also specialising in hydraulic log splitters. They have a wide range to suit every need from contractors to small electric models, each machine is individually made using only the best quality materials and components.They offer an after sales service second to none with a three year warranty. Bespoke machines are made to order.

They deliver nationwide and to Europe at reasonable rates. On their equestrian side they have a wide variety of products which includes the Horsemanny feed bins.Visitors are welcome at any time and you can see how the machines are made and there is always a cup of tea on offer. The aim is to please and they hope with the services provided that all their customers are happy to have chosen Crofter Machinery.

For further information: Tel. 01909 720696 Email: info@croftermachinery.co.uk or visit the website www.croftermachinery.co.uk

C www.silvatec.com ilvatec Skovmaskiner A/S, Farsø, Denmark and Gremo AB, Ätran, Sweden have entered into a co–operation regarding products and marketing in Denmark and Sweden. Both companies have had a minority position compared to the bigger international producers.

Because of their size the development and production of a product range covering the market demands have meant inexpediently heavy costs. By combining the product ranges of the two companies, the demand from thinning– to clear cut machines is covered and at the same time the resources in both companies are utilized better. The co–operation means that the companies will sell and market this combination on their respective home markets under their own brand.

Sales of spare parts and service will be handled in the same way.

They believe that this co–operation will benefit the companies and thus also their customers and they shall do their best to meet the demands from the markets to us as a reliable company.

For further information contact: Kirsten Poulsen, Silvatec Skovmaskiner A/S. Tel: 96492360 or visit the website www.silvatec.com

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

FLI WINS €35 MILLION CONTRACT TO BUILD HYDROKIT UK LTD www.hydrokit.com www.soermatp.com BIOGAS PLANTS IN THE UK AND IRELAND he VPE Group (Vensys Post Equipment) is a family owned group of 3 companies with headquarters in Vendee, Western France and subsidiaries in Germany, Belgium and the UK.The companies within the group are: Hydrokit: Specialists in hydraulic and electo–hydraulic kits and components for mobile machinery. For example, Hose burst check valve kits for excavators, hydraulic pumps, joysticks, control boxes, workshop equipment etc. Soerma Tp: Specialists in the design and fabrication of hydro–mechanical equipment. For example, dedicated Long Reach, Demolition, Re–handling and off–set equipment.

Rotating booms, telescopic dippers, buckets etc.A.S.E: Specialists in the design and manufacture of dedicated forestry attachments.

The range of products is extensive and includes:Ground clearing rakes, Log grapples for loaders, firewood processing plus an wide range of products dedicated to the processing of stumps (removal and crushing) for the bio–mass industry.

At present, they are seeking dealers to promote our range of A.S.E. attachments within the UK and Republic of Ireland. If interested, please contact Dave Freeman at Hydrokit UK Ltd.Videos of their machines in action can be viewed on the Soerma website www.soermatp.com For further information contact: Hydrokit UK Ltd, 12 & 13 Yew Tree Courtyard, Earl Soham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 7SG, Tel: +44 (0)1728 684800. Fax : +44 (0)1728 684808 Email:uksales@hydrokit.com or visit the websites www.hydrokit.com and www.soermatp.com

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LI Energy, part of the FLI Group, the Waterford-based international and diversified environmental services company, has secured a €35 million contract to construct a number of anaerobic digestion plants in the UK and Ireland which will use food, agricultural and other organic waste to generate gas, electricity and heat.

Under the terms of the new contract, FLI becomes the sole supplier to Envar, part of the ADAS Group, a former UK semi-state with over 60 years experience in the agriculture and biomass sectors.

FLI Energy has offices at Letchworth Hertfordshire and specialises in energy generation from organic materials by anaerobic digestion and biogas technologies digesting food waste as well as industrial and agricultural by-products. FLI Energy will provide Envar with the full ‘turn-key’ package for all of its anaerobic digestion plants, working in conjunction with its technology partners HoSt BV, Holland and UKbased specialist consultants and contractors together with FLI’s inhouse resources.

“The projects we will undertake span the full range from mediumsized plants on farms to high-end plants digesting food waste with complex waste reception and pre-treatment systems with annual throughput capacities of 25,000 to 60,000 tonnes,” according to Micheal Geary, FLI Energy’s business development director.“Envar appraised more than 60 companies before selecting FLI. Our proven technology, good geographic spread and after sales service were the determining factors in our success,” added Mr Geary.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

TIMBERWOLF REWARD LOYALTY WITH LIFE–CHANGING PRIZE www.timberwolf–uk.com s part of a new marketing initiative, Suffolk–based Timberwolf® has awarded a life–changing prize to one of their loyal customers.

Marketing questionnaires and data gathering exercises can be a costly and time–consuming occupation – often not producing enough results to make an impact.So Timberwolf® decided to offer an exceptionally generous initiative to their database contacts.Every completed questionnaire would be entered into a prize draw to win a brand new 150DHB Timberwolf® machine, worth £16,000.With a successful return rate of 20% (which demonstrates a great sign of engagement with their existing customers), 1,000 questionnaires were returned allowing Timberwolf® to accurately shape their marketing plan for 2012 and beyond.The lucky winner of the 150DHB machine was Chris Warren, a self–employed Tree Surgeon from Dewsbury, North Yorkshire.

Having already owned a second–hand Timberwolf®, Chris had a bit of bad luck and accidentally dropped a branch on the machine late last year, crushing it beyond repair. But fortunately for Chris, a call from Timberwolf® was just around the corner. He explains:“I was feeling rather despondent about things before the call from Timberwolf®.When you return a questionnaire with such a generous prize on offer, you don’t expect to hear anything but it made my year to hear that I had won! “I will always use a Timberwolf® machine. Not only are they British made, and made exceptionally well, but also they are such low– maintenance and easy to use that they make my job an awful lot easier.”

Richard Marshall, MD of Timberwolf®, said:“This was a really valuable exercise for Timberwolf to undertake. From the results we have collected, we have pulled together information about what people want

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to see on our machines,and passed this onto our Research & Development team for consideration when designing our new products, or improving our current models.

“We really appreciated people taking the time to complete the questionnaire and I’m extremely pleased by some of the comments we’ve received.To read that people feel our machines have been the ‘making’ of their business, and that we’d be awarded 10 out of 10 for workmanship and quality, shows the depth and strength of feeling that we have developed between our customers and our fantastic machines.

This reinforces the principle that our machines really do ‘perform for your business’.”

To contact your nearest Timberwolf® Dealer, please call Tel: 0845 686 0137 or visit the website www.timberwolf–uk.com

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

FELL TREES THE EASY WAY USING A TREE SHEAR

www.treeshears.co.uk

ymax Tree Shears can be mounted on Excavators or Skid Steer Loaders, converting your machine into a highly efficient tree harvester in a matter of minutes. Dymax Tree Shears can easily fell in a day what it would take 5–6 days by chainsaw, and do it more neatly and safely.

The shear operator can choose where to place cut trees and stacking for a whole tree chipper is easy, and speeds up the chipping process.The most common size of tree shear is the Timberwolf 14” which fits on a 13t+ excavator or large skid steer loader.This is mass produced in the US and offers excellent value for money.

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A smaller 10” model suits 7–10t excavators, and larger 16”, 18” and 20” models suit large excavators. Optional Rotation is available on all models allowing more precise cutting when working on coppice, waterways, utility clearance, etc.

Dymax have been manufacturing market leading Tree Shears for over 30 years and are considered to be the market leaders in the US. For further information contact: Alastair Beddall, Dymax Tel. 0044 1295 690011, Email: sales@treeshears.co.uk Website: www.treeshears.co.uk

MAKITA LAUNCH REFINED PETROL CHAINSAW WITH HIGH-SPEC FEATURES www.makitauk.com

or the professional tree surgeon, with full training certification, a new Makita top-handled chainsaw has been introduced. The new Makita EA3100T is a 30.1cc, 2-stroke machine with 30cm bar, easy-start recoil starting and M2M vibration reduction system.

A new air cleaner design prevents ingress of dirt and debris to the actual air-cleaner whilst the cleaner element is easily accessed by the simple removal of the cover by loosening the fixing knob.This enables quick and regular element cleaning which enhances performance and durability.

Weighing just 3.1kgs the new Makita EA3100T professional top handle chainsaw is designed for above ground arboreal operations.

For more information about Makita’s popular Outdoor Power Equipment range visit www.makitauk.com

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

NEW SAMI AUTOCHOPPER ew from Fuelwood is the Sami Autochopper firewood machine, the machine offers a cutting capacity of 44cm and splitting force of 18.5 tons.The unique features of the machine enable it to work automatically, this enables the operator to continue to prepare & load timber, move the conveyor and do all the other jobs around the machine, other firewood machines would need to stop while the operator carries out these jobs.The Sami Autochopper just continues to cut, so greatly improving output per man hour.The machine also boasts compensated cutting to eliminate the last slither/very short log left by fixed length stop machines, also the diameter of the log is measured when cutting so the splitting knife is automatically positioned in the centre of the log and if the diameter is under a certain size the same blade will simply adjust and split it in to 2 pieces.These automatic functions ensure a consistent quality log is always produced without relying on the operator to make adjustments as the machine is running.

Many firewood producers are looking at ways to increase their firewood production, often looking at faster or larger capacity machines.These factors have a smaller impact on production, if are done the traditional firewood machine stops or other people operators stand back and analyse how much time is actually spent are needed to carry them out.The Sami machines offer owners a operating a machine and how much time is spent on loading decks/ solution to automatically increasing output efficiency without conveyors, using a chainsaw (to tidy up twisted or untrimmed changing the type of timber they process. timber), moving/positioning splitting knives, moving split logs, Fuelwood will be demonstrating the machine at the replacing logs bags etc, then greater efficiency gains can be Claywood Woodland site, please contact Fuelwood for achieved moving to a Sami machine. When these essential jobs more details at Tel. 01926 484673 or www.fuelwood.co.uk

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APF EXHIBITION 2012

APF 2012 – THE BIGGEST YET

Ragley Estate,Alcester,Warwickshire, September 13th–15th, 2012 www.apfexhibition.co.uk

As the exhibition gets bigger it becomes harder to do it all in a here are now just 4 months to go until the UK’s largest day.

Information on accommodation can be found on the visitor Forestry,Woodland and Arboricultural Exhibition, APF 2012, section of the website as can a list of exhibitors, up to date maps, takes place on the 13/14/15th September at Ragley Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire, courtesy of the Marquess Of Hertford. It is competition entry forms as they become available and you can buy advance tickets online. A two day advance ticket offers a £10 on course to be the largest exhibition to date.

Exhibition Secretary, Ian Millward reports “Exhibitor bookings saving on the cost of buying two tickets on the gate. Tickets will are well ahead of where they were at a similar stage in 2010 and we are looking forward to a record attendance. Over 3200m, 2 miles, of demonstration frontage has now been sold and there is only one static site remaining.

We are expecting over 250 exhibitors and 20000 visitors over the three days. If you still have not yet booked, do so now, don’t leave it too late. Full details, exhibitor lists and maps are on the website. We still have some sponsorship opportunities left. Please contact us for more details.”

A new feature for 2012 will be the Processors area, with many of the major names in the processing sector present including A W Jenkinson, BSW, Euroforest, Egger, Iggesund, James Jones, UPM Tilhill and the UKFPA. There will be a wide range of seminars in a variety of current topics especially plant health and you will be able to see best practice demonstrations of bio-security for dealing with Phytophthora.

The Forestry Commission will be offering help and information on forestry skills and apprenticeships, aimed at college and school leavers whilst Lantra and NPTC will have details of all their new and current training courses.

The Health and Safety Executive will be on hand to assist with any safety related advice and queries.

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APF EXHIBITION 2012 also be available on the gate at £17. The exhibition is also very conveniently located from whatever part of the UK you live and only 25 miles from Birmingham International Airport.

APF 2012 looks to be bigger and better than ever and is undoubtedly the place to visit this year to check out and buy new machinery, catch up on the latest industry developments, meet old friends and watch some world class competitions and have a go if you are brave enough!

APF 2012 is a biannual event. This is the 19th Exhibition. The first Exhibition was held at Longleat Estate in 1976. It is returning to Ragley Estate after being staged there in 2004 and 2006.

The Exhibition is the largest such event in the UK and the 3rd largest in Europe. It is the leading exhibition for the forestry,

“The Exhibition is the largest such event in the UK and the 3rd largest in Europe. It is the leading exhibition for the forestry, woodland, arboriculture, wood fuel and utility sectors in the UK. 250 Exhibitors and 20,000 visitors are expected over the three days of the show” woodland, arboriculture, wood fuel and utility sectors in the UK. 250 Exhibitors and 20,000 visitors are expected over the three days of the show.

Over 2000 exhibitor staff and thousands of visitors will bring more than £1million pounds into the local economy during the course of the Exhibition in terms of hotel bookings and meals.

It features a 2040m demonstration circuit where machines are shown working in a realistic setting.

With exhibitors on both sides of the circuit that is over 2.5 miles of working machinery. An estimated £30 million pounds of machinery will be on show.

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE AT APF 2012: • The Husqvarna World 25m Pole Climbing Championships • The UPM Tilhill & AW Jenkinson European Chainsaw Carving Competition • UK Axe Throwing Championships • UK Forwarder Driving Competition sponsored by Komatsu • The European Horse Logging Championships • Bio energy seminars and Tree health seminars • The World ‘Log to leg’ pole lathe turning championship • Extensive woodland crafts area • Steam driven sawmills.

• Technical updates & seminars.

For more information contact the website www.apfexhibition.co.uk

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WOOD SUPPLY FEATURE

THE NEED FOR FUTURE TIMBER SECURITY FROM FORESTRY Wood is viewed as a ‘low carbon’ alternative for concrete and steel, and is increasingly seen as an important source of ‘green’ energy, yet securing our future timber supplies has not been seen as a priority within our society, writes Andrew Cameron of the Department of Forestry, University of Aberdeen.

he world is running out of wood, yet in Britain we appear as is the case for example food or energy.The apparent lack of interest to be blissfully unaware of the consequences. The annual in future timber supplies was highlighted by the public outcry over the proposed sale of state owned forests in England in 2010.Commercial global use of timber is currently around 4 billion tonnes1, equivalent to about three-quarters of a tonne of wood for every timber production was rarely mentioned, the focus of public dissent human being on earth. A greater demand for wood is inevitable instead was on the fear that access to forests would be lost under with world population passing the 7 billion mark and increasing by private ownership. Similar fears were voiced in 2009 when it around 3% per year. Further pressures on the demand for timber was proposed to lease state forests in Scotland to the private sector, come from the rapid industrialisation of countries such as China and even though there is a legal right of access here.The use of forests for recreation is now seen as a right and not a privilege, paid for by India1, and from initiatives to negate the effects of climate change the taxpayer. If it is believed that forests exist primarily as a source through replacing construction materials with large amounts of of recreation, what can be done to convince the public and politicians embedded energy such as concrete and steel with ‘low carbon’ that the vast gap between domestic timber production and imports timber as a means of mitigating carbon emissions.2 Perhaps the most significant threat to future timber supplies comes from the will have serious economic implications if world demand continues to increase at current levels? dramatic increase in the use of wood as a ‘carbon neutral’ fuel.1 There is a long history of clearing the indigenous forests in Britain Supply of wood fuel in Britain already exceeds demand and increased imports are inevitable. Britain is already one of the largest importers and Ireland to provide timber and land for agriculture.While significant of timber and timber products in the world, amounting to nearly 80% tree planting occurred during the 18th and 19th centuries, this did of its requirements at a cost of over £6 billion per year.Although attempts not keep pace with the demand for timber. Britain’s expanding influence overseas allowed imports to fill the deficit in domestic to increase the forest area in Britain have had some success– from about 6% of the land area at the end of the 19th century to about production.The two World Wars of the 20th century changed everything with naval blockades highlighting the need to establish a reliable 12% by the beginning of the 21st century (Scotland 17.2%,Wales 13.7%, England 8.7%)–this compares poorly with the EU average domestic source of timber to be available in times of crises.The Forestry Commission was formed in 1919 at the end of the First of 37%.

Given our small forest area and dependency on imported wood, it World War with the mission to create this ‘strategic’ supply of is surprising that timber security is not a priority within our society timber.

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WOOD SUPPLY FEATURE After the Second World War, afforestation continued, particularly from the 1960’s to the mid 1980’s, even although the threat of a protracted war had receded. During this time, a more affluent and mobile population began to take a greater interest in the land and landscape and started to question the way forests were established and managed.The forestry industry responded by shifting the focus of management from primarily one of timber production to multipurpose values that included wildlife conservation and recreation.

CONFLICT BETWEEN ‘COMMERCIAL FORESTRY’ AND THE ‘ENVIRONMENT’ By the 1980’s, environmental conflicts associated with forestry, notably afforestation around the Caithness Flows in North Scotland, were becoming increasingly politicised and questions were being raised about the economic viability of ‘plantation’ forestry.These conflicts led to the ending of the tax relief associated with largescale afforestation at the time further eroding the commercial arguments supporting forest expansion.3 While these events were highly significant, it was the proposal by the Conservative government at the time to sell state owned forests that initiated permanent change in the forestry industry in Britain.Although this proposal was unsuccessful, it fundamentally transformed public opinion. People viewed forests in terms of access and the environment, and feared that these values would be lost under private ownership. Environmental lobby groups exploited this sentiment even although many private forests were, and still are, exemplars of multi-use practice.The Forestry Commission recognised that justifying forestry solely on economic grounds was tenuous, and this was reinforced by reports stating that forestry was unprofitable and only justifiable through its environmental and social benefits.4 The Forestry Commission realised that its survival depended on changing from being perceived as a grower and producer of timber to that of ‘guardian of the forest environment’.

The policy worked.The Forestry Commission moved the environment to the top of its list of priorities and through its regulatory arm “The Forestry Authority” dragged the private sector with it through revised planting and management grant schemes.Timber production was

forced down the hierarchy of management objectives, often appearing as a minor activity in management plans and policy statements.

Conifer species gave way to native broadleafs and management objectives focused on wildlife conservation and ‘amenity’, despite the fact that over 90% of the timber processing sector in Britain is reliant on commercial conifers; indeed, 70% of the world’s industrial timber use is coniferous. Rates of new planting of commercial conifer species declined.The vision of expanding the forest area to provide a strategic reserve of timber finally disappeared. Forest expansion was now about the environment.

CURRENT STATE OF THE COMMERCIAL FORESTRY SECTOR More than twenty years on from these events, new planting has declined to a pitifully low level. In Scotland in 2010, there was around 3000 hectares of new planting of which 80% comprised ‘non-commercial’ broadleafs.5 Only 10% (300 hectares) of new planting was classed as ‘commercial’, a fraction of what is needed to maintain production into the future.Attitudes towards ‘commercial forestry’ and ‘the environment’ remain polarised to the extent that to mention one almost rules out discussion about the other. It is very

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WOOD SUPPLY FEATURE different in Continental Europe where a strong ‘forest culture’ exists that is singularly lacking in Britain. Information signs in Continental forests usually emphasise the multi-purpose nature of forests, where commercial timber production and environmental activities are normal and compatible features of forest management. Conversely, information boards and other publicity materials in British forests almost exclusively highlight the role of forests as places of recreation and habitats for wildlife.After nearly three decades of ‘selling’ the amenity image, it should come as no surprise as to why the general public has acquired such a narrow view of the purpose of forests.

While afforestation for commercial objectives has dramatically declined in Britain over the last two decades, softwood timber production has risen by over one third.6 This increase in production is due to past afforestation programmes, particularly from the 1960’s and 1970’s, attaining maturity. Forecasts predict that volume production in Britain will rise from 9.5 million m3 in 2000 to around 16 million m3 by 2020, after which they will return to around year 2000 levels by 2050.6 Unless the forest area is increased, and quickly, to compensate for the forecast fall in timber production after 2020, there will be a contraction of the industry, loss of employment and a further increase in the already huge volume of imports of timber and timber products.

alternatives to fossil fuels.Already, in Sweden, cars use bio-petrol produced from sawmill by-products such as sawdust. However, in spite of the recent upturn in the timber markets, concerns remain over future timber security.

For too long, forest policy in Britain has applied a ‘quick-fix’ view to what is a long term industry, with damaging consequences. For example, the decision to stop thinning forests in reaction to the 1970’s oil crisis led to a generation of highly unstable forests of poor quality timber.9 Flooding of the market with cheap timber from former Eastern European countries in the early 1990’s exacerbated the shift in forest policy in Britain away from commercial production towards the non-timber benefits of forests when the reality was that the supply of low-priced wood from these countries could never continue indefinitely.

TIMBER PRODUCTION AS A PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The general public must be educated in the realities of the forestry industry. People need to know what wood is used for, how much they use, and where it comes from. Put simply, if we use more wood than we produce, then it has to come from somewhere else, and this has already resulted in overexploitation and forest degradation in many developing countries.10 Contrary to current opinion, research CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF shows that planted conifer forests are associated with high levels of biodiversity in addition to providing functions such as soil protection THE LONG-TERM VIEW Ironically, it was the threat of climate change on the environment and flood control.11 Interpretative information should explain that that focused international attention back on forestry.The need for well-managed forests can be commercially viable, ecologically diverse, large-scale afforestation was being openly discussed for the first time and attractive places to visit. in decades. Sir Nicholas Stern said in his ground-breaking climate Timber, like all major commodities, is traded on world markets and

Concerns associated with climate change have galvanised efforts to incorporate more timber into building construction to replace high-energy embedded materials, and these initiatives are gradually taking effect change review that forests offer the single largest opportunity for supplies are not limitless. Britain can no longer remain as one of the cost-effective and immediate reductions in emissions.7 However, if biggest timber importers in the world and continue to treat its own forests as leisure areas or wildlife sanctuaries.With the exception of commitments to mitigate carbon emissions are to be met, fastforests of internationally important environmental value, timber growing (i.e. predominately conifer) species will have to be used production should become the primary objective of management of since carbon sequestration positively correlates with the growth all forests. Grant aid policy should adopt this position as the default rates of trees.8 This will almost certainly conflict with current and applicants should have to present a strong case to receive state thinking on species choice dominated by slow-growing broadleafs.

Concerns associated with climate change have galvanised efforts to aid for planting without a commercial element. If timber income is incorporate more timber into building construction to replace high- sacrificed in the interest of the environment or access, then some energy embedded materials, and these initiatives are gradually taking suggest that landowners should be compensated from the public purse.6 If the forestry sector in Britain fails to act and change the effect.Wood is also increasingly used as ‘carbon neutral’ fuel.The greater demand for fuel wood has been driven by the huge rise in way the industry is run, then by the middle of this century, people oil prices in the last decade and the political pressure to find will surely look back in despair at the poor decision making and lost opportunities at the large areas of economically worthless forest that they have inherited.

World timber prices will increase with increasing demand and rising energy costs, which together will affect the cost of importing timber from distant areas,1 and this will place a greater reliance on domestic timber supplies.The predicted decline in British timber production beyond 2020 adds further pressure to expand our forest area and this has to begin immediately.A strategy to increase the forest area to meet future demand beyond 2020 fits well with current policies in addressing climate change.The Scottish Government’s Climate Change Bill12 aims to source 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The ‘carbon economy’ of Scotland could be significantly improved by greater use of bio-energy. Forest residues used for power generation in Sweden already account for 2.5% of the total energy production in the country. Scotland is well placed to make greater use of this source of green energy.

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WOOD SUPPLY FEATURE energy have already led to higher prices and could bring about a major shift from a global wood surplus to a wood deficit1 and Britain could quickly be at the mercy of world markets. Even if politicians declare that the top priority is to expand the forest area, it will require half a century before the timber is ready! Forestry cannot be turned on and off to suit markets; instead, it requires steady development in the long term. In addition, expanding the commercial forest area is perhaps the single greatest opportunity to boost rural economies and employment prospects in a way that is entirely sustainable.

References 1 FAO, (2009) State of the world’s forests. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Rome. 152 pp.

2 Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management (2006) Forestry Commission Scotland greenhouse gas emissions comparison - carbon benefits of timber in construction.

A report by the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management Ltd. 3 Farmer, R,A. and Nisbet,T,R. (2004) An Overview of Forest Management and Change with Respect to Environmental Protection in the UK. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 8: 279-285.

4 National Audit Office (1986) Review of Forestry Commission Objectives and

Satisfying a significant increase in demand for timber in the future may not be so easy to achieve.The Scottish Climate Change Bill proposes to increase the forest area in Scotland to around 25% of the land surface by 2050–around 16,000 ha of planting per year; however, this is an expensive objective given the high costs of forest establishment and will require major investment. Given the current constraints on government finances, any significant expansion of the forest area will most likely be based on private capital. However, money for major land purchases is unlikely to be forthcoming and instead financial inducements will be needed to encourage existing land owners to plant trees, and 83% of land in Scotland is privately owned.While still controversial, one approach is to use tax incentives.Around 16% of non-forested land area in Scotland (1.3 M ha) may be potentially suitable for forestry, much of which is classed as lower quality agricultural land, while a further 28% (2.2 M ha) may be potentially suitable given certain environmental constraints.13 This would suggest that there is no shortage of suitable land to meet the planting target.

A fairer balance in support mechanisms offered to agriculture and forestry is needed if sufficient land is to become available.The Common Agricultural Policy has consistently favoured agriculture at the expense of forestry and this has to change.

The real danger is that we will continue with a ‘live-for-now’ attitude until it is too late. Recent increases in demand for wood for

Achievements. HC75 (1985-86), HMSO, London.

5 Forestry Statistics (2010) A compendium of statistics about woodland, forestry and primary wood processing in the United Kingdom. Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk/statistics 6 Lawson, G. and Hemery, G.E. (2007) World timber trade and implementing sustainable forest management in the United Kingdom. Report to the Land Use Policy Group, Peterborough, U.K. 98 pp.

7 Stern, N. 2007.The economics of climate change:The Stern Review. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

8 Nijnik, M. (2010). Carbon capture and storage in forests.The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge. In: Hester R.E. and Harrison R.M. (eds.) Carbon Capture: Sequestration and Storage, Issues in Environmental Science and Technology 29: 203-238.

9 Cameron A. D. (2001) Importance of early selective thinning in the maintenance of long-term stand stability and improved log quality: a review. Forestry 75: 25-35.

10 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Synthesis.World Resources Institute, Island Press,Washington, D.C. 155 pp.

11 Bauhus, J., van der Meer, P.J. Kanninen, M. (Eds.) (2010) Ecosystems Goods and Services from Plantation Forests, Earthscan Ltd.,Washington DC. 12 The Scottish Government (2008) Climate change: consultation on proposals for Climate Change (Scotland) bill.The Scottish Government, St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh. 93 pp.

13 Towers,W., Schwarz, G., Burton, R., Ray, D., Sing, L. and Birnie, R.V. (2006) Possible opportunities for future forest development in Scotland: a scoping study.

Report by The Macaulay Institute for Forestry Commission Forest Research. 55 pp.

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ENERGY CROPS FEATURE

WHY WE NEED ENERGY CROPS IN THE UK During troubled economic times people start to think about self sufficiency, writes Kevin Lindegaard (Crops for Energy).

ore and more people are growing their own fruit and vegetables and installing renewable energy technologies to save money and reduce their dependence on bought in food and fuel. Many are also considering the use of their own woodlands or farmland to produce sufficient woodfuel to heat their properties.

As a nation, the UK is committed to trying to produce 15% of our total energy (electricity, heat and transport) from renewables by 2020.This includes a 12% target for renewable heat.There is plenty of undermanaged woodland in the UK but this is not sufficient to meet the demand alone. In addition, much of this resource is remote, with poor access, small in size and in private ownership.

As a result extraction costs can be expensive. In many ways it is

M

quicker, easier and cheaper to produce good quality local biomass from woody energy crops such as short rotation coppice (SRC), short rotation forestry (SRF) and miscanthus.

Woody energy crops can produce a very high output from a relatively small area of land. By planting these crops on 1.2%–3.5% of UK agricultural land would help us move towards energy security whilst not affecting food production. However, there are only around 10,000–12,000 hectares planted nationally which is a long way short of the 2020 target of 350,000 ha.Nevertheless, the UK Government continues to recognise the importance of these crops in our energy mix.The latest UK Bioenergy Strategy was published in April and predicts that the greatest increase in domestic bioenergy supply will come from agricultural residues and energy crops but argues that “The potential to upscale is currently restricted by UK planting and harvesting capacity, grower acceptance, economics, technology compatibility and social resistance related to concerns around long-term land use change.” Removing these barriers is essential.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR GROWERS Some of the main issues hindering widespread uptake in the past have been the lack of markets, the modest returns from power station contracts and the poor cash flow in early years.

However, farmers should look closer to home for the most lucrative markets.The best returns can be achieved when farmers use their own energy crops to heat their farm buildings.The savings made by replacing expensive fuels such as oil and LPG together with rebates from the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) can turn willow and miscanthus into serious cash crops.

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ENERGY CROPS FEATURE A farmer currently using heating oil will be paying around 65p a litre (equivalent to around 6.0p/kilowatt hour). Even considering the lost revenue of taking land out of food production, it should be possible to produce miscanthus chip for around £50/odt or 1.02p/kWh.This provides a massive annual gross margin of £2,533/yr.

SRC has lower yields and requires drying to produce a premium chip. Even then it is possible to achieve an effective gross margin of £2,061/yr. No food crop can get near these figures. A winter wheat crop sold for feed yielding 8.35 tonnes/ha and achieving a grain price of £140/tonne would realize a gross margin of £673/ha (John Nix Farm Management Pocketbook, 2012).

It is also possible to make a fairly good return from selling woodfuel to local heat end users. Local authorities should approach farmers directly to grow energy crops on their behalf. A typical primary school may need 3-4 ha of energy crops whilst an elderly peoples’ home may require around 10 ha.This would provide the farmer with a long term market and the end user with a reliable and secure supply that is largely insulated against future price rises brought about by higher transport fuel costs.

CROPS FOR ENERGY

Crops for Energy has produced the first holistic study looking at the potential contribution of woody energy crops to SW regional Table 1: Production costs and potential gross margin from miscanthus renewable energy targets, greenhouse gas reductions, economic and SRC self supply and sales to third parties. (Assumes production costs development and wider environmental benefits.The main findings are spread over 22 years; realised yields of: 10.4 oven dry tonnes/ha/yr for of the work are that that planting energy crops on 3.5% of SW agricultural land (65,595 hectares) would provide the following Miscanthus and 8.4 odt/ha/yr for SRC; establishment costs of £3,000 for miscanthus and £2,500 for SRC minus 50% grant from the Energy Crops Scheme. benefits: G 2.64 Terawatt hours of energy per year (37.5% of the regions renewable heat target) G 780,946 tonnes CO2 equivalent saved each year (offsetting 25% of the emissions from agricultural food production) G £768 million of investment stimulated in biomass boiler projects G £55.4 million/yr saved in fuel costs by consumers G £27.8 million/year in farmer profit G 3,745 renewable energy jobs (a 134% increase on the current number of jobs in the bioenergy sector) You can read the full position paper and report at: www.crops4energy.co.uk/why-we-need-energy-crops-sw

WHICH CROP? Growers need to think about their land, their climate conditions and their end user. Each crop option has pros and cons. For instance miscanthus is high yielding and produces dry fuel but has a much higher bulk density and the fuel has a higher chlorine and silica The potential return to a farm business is even more substantial content.This means you need more space to store it, more journeys if the returns from RHI are taken into account. Below are two examples to transport it and a compliant boiler that can deal with the high ash and corrosive nature of the fuel. of farmers who are using their own miscanthus chip in the SW SRC can be grown on more marginal land and the fuel can be of England. Over 20 years the fuel savings and RHI rebates could used in a wider range of boilers but the fuel is wet when harvested. boost the farm incomes by £328,500 and £520,800 respectively.

This means that you need to find an effective way of drying it.

The good news is that you can use the heat from your biomass Table 2: Farmer case studies of miscanthus chip self supply boiler to do this. SRF produces the best fuel quality and good yields (especially Eucalyptus) but the lead in times are long and there are currently no grants for planting exotic species.

The received wisdom is that miscanthus is higher yielding than willow but there have been few direct comparisons in trials. Recent SRC trial results suggest that the yield of newer varieties are on average 13% higher after the first harvest and 20% after the second harvest. In addition, some varieties such as Endeavour and Endurance have been found to have higher dry matter (and therefore lower moisture content) at harvest, higher calorific values and higher bulk densities.As a result there is scope for significantly increasing the yield and quality of wood chip from new SRC plantations.

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ENERGY CROPS FEATURE

Miscanthus is probably higher yielding but not by as much as some suggest. Frequently, experimental harvests of miscanthus have been taken too early (Jan-Feb) so there is leaf litter included in the crop.This should be avoided by growers as leaves have the highest concentration of silica and chlorine and this reduces the quality of the fuel. We’ve talked to real growers and found that the yield of a good crop in the SW after 5 years is likely to be 10.4 odt/ha/yr. By contrast miscanthus grower William Cracroft Eley, based in Lincolnshire has produced an average yield of 11.7 odt/ha/yr over 10 years.

reduce the farmers risk and enable an improved cash flow in early years.

The revision of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) also offers an opportunity to stimulate energy crop plantings and reward growers for their multifunctional benefits. It is hoped that it will be permitted for energy crops to be grown as part of the 7% of a farmers land set aside as Ecological Focus Areas.

It is clear that energy crops can really punch above their weight in helping deliver on our renewable energy and climate change targets.

Unlike many other renewables they deliver the maximum economic benefit in their own back yard.

OTHER BENEFITS Crops for Energy can assist land owners in making the right choices A report produced by Forest Research in 2011 called “Woodland for woodfuel growing, supply and use through feasibility studies, for Water:Woodland measures for meeting Water Framework Directive turn key management options and training courses. objectives”[1] suggests that energy crops could provide an effective For further information www.crops4energy.co.uk

A large body of research suggests that energy crops can significantly increase biodiversity on farms.The crops and surrounding headlands provide food and habitats for birds, butterflies and other invertebrates way of reducing pollution from farmland and providing flood risk management. Energy crops intercept sediment and absorb nitrates from the water and could therefore be deployed in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) to help improve the quality of river and coastal waters.The coppice nature of energy crops provides hydraulic roughness which slows down the flow of flood water reducing the likelihood of floods downstream and increasing the time available for issuing warnings.

A large body of research suggests that energy crops can significantly increase biodiversity on farms.The crops and surrounding headlands provide food and habitats for birds, butterflies and other invertebrates.

Unfortunately, despite the benefits to wildlife there has been no incentive made available to growers through environmental schemes.

This needs to change.An interim payment following crop establishment and before the first harvest would be highly beneficial as it would

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

BIOEQUIPMENT LTD Bioequipment Ltd supplies the forestry and bioenergy industries with complete equipment and machinery resources and has a team of professionals with over 50 years experience of supplying and supporting all forms of harvesting and processing machinery to a wide range of clients and challenging applications.

It is the dedication and ability of the team within Bioequipment over a decade. Underneath the bonnet you will find a powerful Cummins Engine with Common Rail system. The forwarder is that has attracted and secured the exclusive distribution rights for premium suppliers such as Gremo, Fecon and Badger Shredders. equipped with GreControl which allows the operator to modify a The quality and performance of the products produced by these lot of functions depending on style of handling, type of crane and task. Hence you have the possibility to reduce fuel consumption manufacturers’ compliments the ethos of the company that is striving to provide products and services that achieve new standards and further increase the profit.

The Gremo forwarder 1350VT is equipped with a continuously within the focus industries and markets. working and variable speed hydrostatic transmission.The unique transmission cuts the working cycles and therefore increases GREMO Gremo’s history dates back to the early sixties, they have been performance and profitability.The unique feature with this system producing forestry forwarders and harvesters that have continually is the fact that the Gremo 1350VT is able to run at 0–25 km/h surpassed owners expectations. In the last 12 – 13 years forwarders without being interrupted by gear shift and with maximum pulling have been sold in unmatched numbers in the home Swedish market. force.The boom pump is electronically controlled via GreControl.

The main reasons for these excellent sales are a profitable product and a customer–oriented organisation and products.

Gremo has in many respects always been an innovative forerunner.

As an example Gremo was, in the early nineties, the first company to as standard introduce catalytic purifiers, thus considerably improving the working conditions of the operator in above all thinning stands. Other examples of first introduction were the standard provision of environment–friendly oil and the Power shift–gearbox.

The Gremo 1050H is a reliable harvester ideal for thinning and final cutting. The new engine, together with high performance hydraulic system produces sufficient hydraulic power for any imaginable situation.The automatically actuated bogie locks are one of the secrets behind the outstanding lateral and longitudinal stability of the 1050H. Other assets are the low centre of gravity and the ideal load distribution in longitudinal direction.

Gremo 1050F is a further development of the successful forwarder 950F which has been market–leading in Sweden for

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE This means that you can choose different flow rates at pre–determined speed to suit different working tasks, boom types and ways of driving.This offers possibilities for lower fuel consumption.The Gremo 1350VT, 1050F and 1050H are furnished with the same type of drivers cab. Most operators say that the close range visibility and the easy–view working area are unmatched. Good visibility less eye strains, which means a lot for the driver´s capacity during his working day.

The Besten new driverless final felling system.This new method of operation implies that two forwarders alternately operate the “Besten” harvester. The couriers are provided with a revolving, tilting and progressive widening cargo compartment. During the processing the timber is loaded directly on the forwarders cargo compartment. When the loading operation is finished, forwarder no.2 takes over while forwarder no.1 moves off for unloading and classification.The fuel consumption is low as crane operation for loading has become redundant.The system is flexible, different numbers of forwarders can be utilized depending on the felling situation. Productivity is high as the felling is continuing without interruption.

FECON Fecon, Inc. was established in 1992 to meet the growing needs of the Organic Resource Recovery Industry in North America. Fecon serves thousands in R.O.W., land clearing, firebreaks, pasture restoration, invasive species and wildlife restoration markets. Fecon’s product line includes Bull Hog Mulchers, FTX Track Carriers, Bio–Harvesting Equipment,Tree Shears, Grapples and Stump Grinders.The first Bull Hog was sold 20 years ago and is still running today with merchantable timber and brush.The Bio–Harvester can be mounted just over 20,000 hours on it. Over the last 20 years Fecon has to the Fecon FTX440, a 440 horsepower, forestry guarded, crawler grown into one of the leading international suppliers of vegetation tractor; or to a large, high horsepower PTO tractor.The FTX440 is management equipment and boasts the number 1 selling mulcher also capable of towing and powering an agricultural dump wagon in the United States with the Bull Hog. to collect material.

Fecon FTX600 is their flagship tractor.This tractor brings the best Mobile Bio–Mass Chipper System.The RTC–22 Bio–Mass Chipper combination of cutting performance, track power, ground pressure is designed to chip and collect bio–mass. Equipped on a forwarder and serviceability in the 600hp class of mulching machines. Fitted chassis, the one step in woods process offers a high production with either the Fecon BH300 or BH350 Bull Hog ®, the FTX600 rate of 20 to 30 tons per hour.The RTC–22 features a 22” capacity can achieve 98” cutting height and 32” below ground.The FTX600 Chipper powered by a 365hp diesel engine making it ideal for is ideal for a wide range of applications including pipeline and bio–mass collection. power line right of way clearing, large scale vegetation management and site preparation.

BADGER SHREEDERS New for 2012 is the FTX100 LGP mulching tractor. Equipped with Badger Shredding Manufactures a wide range of Shredding machines. a 99hp Kubota V3800 engine this, tractor provides impressive These machines are designed to process various materials from cutting power and traction capabilities for all job conditions.The biomass material to concrete with rebar, and everything in between. owner can specify the machine for rough terrain or soft ground The Badger Slow Speed High Torque Shredding machines are conditions where a light footprint or reduced ground disturbance available in sizes from 200 HP up to 600HP in electric or diesel is important.The 20” wide track option on the FTX100 LGP provides powered and in stationary or mobile units.The processing chamber is 4.4 psi ground pressure. Added value features on this purpose what sets the Badger apart from other slow speed machines with built tractor are ground clearance, tractive effort and durability. its replaceable blade system that allows the blades to be changed With the standard quick attach mounting system the FTX100 individually rather than having to change the whole assembly or LGP can be equipped to utilize several forestry and construction having to weld on broken off blades as you would have to do attachments. with other slow speed units.

Fecon Bio–Harvester The unique sizing screen system for the production produced is a machine that allows effective particle control to be achieved in one pass through simultaneously Fells, the grinder without disruption to performance of product flow.

Chips, and Collects The product range offered by Bioequipment Ltd facilitates Small Diameter Woody that harvesting and processing of the complete range of biomass Biomass.The Bio– products from virgin or residual sources in the most cost Harvester is ideal for effective and efficient way. pre–commercial and For Further Information contact: Bioequipment Ltd, commercial thinning Unit 15, Milland Rd Industrial Estate, Neath, South Wales, applications, non– Tel: 01639635123. Email: info@bioequip.co.uk

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COMMERICAL FEATURE – M LARGE TREE SERVICES

“LARGE’’ PLANS FOR 2012 M Large Tree Services Ltd continues to offer products from some of the world’s leading forestry manufacturers, whilst further developing our own range of quality forestry products.

Alan McDowell and William Conn, Sales Engineers of M Large Trees Services Ltd.

Large also intends to offer our most comprehensive Unique features on this machine include a 4m slewable conveyor ever range of Firewood Processing and Timber Handling with Hakki Pilke's unique log cleaning system which improves Equipment to date, with several new products making the quality of the finished product. The short sawn log lowering their first appearance this year. system enables you to process short logs (minimum 100mm) but The all new Hakki Pilke Easy 38 Firewood Processor from the at maximum diameter and lower it into the splitting chamber renowned Finnish manufacturer Maaselan Kone OY, is one the without it falling over. latest products to be launched. Some of the features with this The Hakki Pilke Easy 50 is also available in tractor PTO drive or model include a brand new electrically operated splitting control a combi version tractor PTO/3 phase electric drive. Making up the mechanism along with Hakki Pilke's unique log cleaning system rest of the Hakki Pilke range is the ever popular and reliable which improves the quality of the final product. The Easy 38 has 1X–37 now known as the Expert 37, the 1X–42 hydraulic now a 380mm maximum log diameter, 16’’ hydraulic drive chainsaw cross known as the Easy 42, the OH27 formally known as the OH60 and cut mechanism, one piece safety guard allowing unrestricted access the Eagle logging saw bench with built in screw splitter. Last for bent and twisted timber, joystick control and a 4m slewable but not least is the road towable fully independent Hakki Pilke conveyor. This machine is available in various power options 2xCarry Firewood Processor powered by a 13hp Honda key start including tractor PTO drive or a combi version tractor PTO/3 engine. This machine comes complete with full road lighting and phase electric drive. running axels.

The Hakki Pilke Easy 50 Firewood Processor, now in its second M Large continues to sell the ever improving Bilke Firewood season of firewood production in the UK, has a maximum of 500mm Processing Guillotine which is very safe and easy to operate.The cutting capacity and 30 tonne multi speed splitting action.This is Bilke is one of the few machines on the market capable of handling truly a machine to rival any of the other processors in the market, demolition waste.The blade thickness has been increased from on both price and productivity. Standard features on this machine 6mm to 8mm, the paint finish has improved and both in–feed and again include a one piece safety guard, giving clear and unrestricted out–feeding conveyors can be lowered by a single hand winch. access for bent and twisted timber, joystick control, hydraulic powered harvester bar and chain for cross cutting (giving speed The Bilke Guillotine is the ideal machine for processing small diameter timber up to 200mm, with high volumes of up to 30m3 and power), hydraulic log clamping, laser eye log measuring per hour. device, hydraulic oil cooler and built in dust extractor unit.

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COMMERICAL FEATURE – M LARGE TREE SERVICES Logsplitters have proved to be very popular and reliable over employed who deal with all installations and technical aspects of the years. M Large carries the largest and most extensive range the wood fired boilers we sell. Boiler sizes range from 18kw – 100kw of Thor and Atika Logsplitters in the UK and Ireland, ranging from and buffer tanks from 300 litres to 5000 litres. a 4 tonne to 30 tonne. We are therefore able to offer a more We have continued to expand the LMS UK design and manufactured affordable range of domestic and professional logsplitters to our range of equipment. The LMS collection includes the LMS Log customers.Thor still has the advantage of being the only logsplitter bagging chute available in two sizes and the LMS excavator mounted on the market with its own unique blade lowering system (foot Woodbuster 870 which has proved to be very successful.The LMS pedal control).This allows the operator to hold in place logs that Woodbuster 870 has a unique sweeper arm design meaning cleaved would not remain standing unaided on the splitter table. The blade timber never remains lodged on blades/ jaws, robust heavy duty comes down with enough pressure to secure the log in place hardox construction, 26 ton hydraulic splitting force, 870mm jaw allowing the operator to use both hands to grip the control opening and multi attachment options.The LMS Honda powered levers to exert the full splitting force. All logsplitters come in 820 Bandmill designed for simple milling of planks and beams from various power options – electric 230v/400v, tractor hydraulic, round logs. Also the new LMS 5m Log Stacking Conveyor with tractor PTO drive and petrol engine. Thor also manufactures either single phase motor or hydraulic powered options. We unique and innovative design saw benches available with various are pleased to announce that within the next few months we power options (as above). will be introducing our latest design, the all new LMS Excavator For forestry cranes and trailers look no further! We offer both Mounted Tree Shearing Head an innovative device with a shearing The Palms and Farmi Forest range of forestry trailers and cranes capacity of up to 400mm in softwood or 300mm in hardwood. available at highly competitive rates. Typical features include: – This simple yet robustly designed device will be offered out at an efficiency, strength and durability to the highest professional affordable and realistic price. standards, guaranteeing long life, reliable operation and minimal At key points throughout the year we will be maintenance.The Palms cranes which start from 4.0m reach up showcasing and demonstrating our range of to 8.4m reach and the trailer’s ranging from 7 tonnes to 14 tonnes loading capacity.Also available from us are the Farmi Forest forwarding equipment, starting with: 4WD and non drive trailers designed to meet the demands of the • The Royal Highland Show–June 21st–24th, 2012 forestry and agricultural industry, with combination loader cranes • The Royal Norfolk Show–June 27th–28th, 2012 to suit all requirements. Farmi Forest offer a great range of tractor • Clougher Valley Agricultural Show–July 25th, 2012 • The Royal Welsh Show July 23rd–26th, 2012 3 point linkage PTO blade type Skidding Winches, starting from • The Tullamore & AIB National Livestock Show–August 12th, 2012 3.5 tonne right up to the 8.5 tonne Alp type Professional.All Winches come complete with cable line, keyhole sliders, choker • The big event this year will be the: Bi–annual APF Forestry Show September 13th–15th, 2012. chains and PTO shaft. Farmi Forest PTO Driven Wood Chippers And lastly not to forget: for brush wood clearance, and more recently for Biomass fuel (G30 • The National Ploughing Championships September 25th–27th, 2012 + G50) production.

In addition to forestry equipment, M Large stock and sell a range of During the past few years we have all heard about the rise in wood fired central heating systems, including the Atmos range of farming and forestry related accidents which is why M Large wood gasification boilers and Akvaterm range of buffer storage place great importance on health and safety. M. Large adhere to tanks.These products have gained an impressive reputation and all guidelines issued by the health & safety executive and have a people who are looking for an alternative way of heating their proven track record of offering good quality equipment that homes and businesses find that these systems help give more meets all current health & safety legislation. We are one of the control over increasing heating costs.The wood gasifying boilers few suppliers in our industry to have also both ISO 9001 quality not only help the environment, but also help companies/home management system and fully audited Health & Safety management owners combat the rising cost of oil by utilising their waste timber systems in place. All machines supplied by M. Large are fully CE products. M Large has several fully trained and registered installers compliant.

With the help of our large nationwide dealer network, we feel that we offer exceptional value for money and an excellent back up service. Our extensive ranges of spare parts are available for next day delivery and with the expertise of our sale engineers we can provide advice and assistance to both new and existing customers.

0% and low rate finance packages are available on most models.

Used and ex–demo forestry equipment also available. All products that we sell we also use ourselves in our own daily contractual operations – “If it’s good enough for our customers its good enough for us”.

New Hakki Pilke Easy 38 firewood processor, comes with the Hakki Pilke reputation of safety, quality construction, reliability and has been designed to be extremely easy to use and maintain

For further information/prices or to view one of the biggest ranges of Forestry Equipment in Europe, please contact us on Tel. 028 9034 2838 or visit our website www.mlarge.com Our knowledgeable and friendly team will be happy to help and discuss options that will suit your individual requirements.

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BIOMASS FEATURE

GAME ENGINEERING LEAD THE WAY IN

MATERIALS, PROCESSING & HANDLING ENGINEERING GAME Engineering Ltd are regarded as one of the leading materials processing and handling engineering companies specialising in the Biomass Handling for Fuel Generation writes Karen Jacklin and David Burkitt.

orking with some of the key players in the power industry, The process starts by taking cut logs from an external stock GAME design, manufacture and install solutions in Biomass, piles, loading onto the in feed conveyor where the bark was Renewable and Alternative Fuels sector. With a team removed in a rotary drum de–barker, then conveyed and gravity of highly professional engineers who understand the changes in fed into a chipper which can reduce a 2.44 m long x 0.61 m the ever stringent legislation, GAME can implement these into diameter log into 50mm chips in approximately 8 seconds, and their client’s production facilities. conveys the chip to a ground store. The chip was then bucket The expertise that GAME hold in turnkey solutions and CAD loaded into walking floor bunkers to feed wet grinders which Design means that they have fast become leaders in innovative reduces the chip into matchstick size pieces ready for drying.

Biomass Handling solutions offering services to design, construct, Once dried the products were pressed into industrial briquettes upgrade, refurbish, extend or improve processing facilities. or fine ground and pressed into pellets for the domestic market.

Clients that GAME has worked with in the Biomass Handling & Fuel Generation sector include CMB Engineering Ltd, Drax Power Ltd, Edgar F. Shepherd, Verdo Renewables Ltd, RWE Npower Plc, Southern Electric Contracting Ltd and Wood Energy Ltd. A recent job that GAME were involved in was to design and install a biomass production plant for processing wood pellets and briquettes.

GAME were instructed to mechanically design and install the biomass production plant for processing virgin timber, which would produce 8mm wood pellets and briquettes for both domestic and industrial use.The plant was housed in a redundant distribution warehouse with limited height, so the design constraints were taxing.

The design had to meet planning and building constraints and be completed to a preset budget which required innovative design to fit the equipment into an existing building, which meant pits needed to be dug and steel lines cast in as the water table was just below the floor slab.

The plant was required to produce 8 tonnes per hour of wood pellets and 3.2 tonnes per hour of domestic briquettes, which are all automatically packed, palletised and wrapped ready for putting into storage ready for distribution.

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BIOMASS FEATURE

GAME’s experience with handling numerous raw materials All the above can ensure the equipment and plant has a longer assisted the customer in designing and planning his new plant service life and also assist the plant manager in allocating his time more layout. Any of these raw materials in there various forms of effectively. density and moisture can cause their own unique problems.

Another example of the work GAME has been involved in within Whether it be wood chip which can be very moist with up to the Biomass industry is when they were commissioned to exchange 65% moisture, which causes blockages within conveyors.These a clients existing 8 T.P.H drum dryer to a larger capacity 15 T.P.H conveyors have to be sized correctly to avoid this. drum ready for future expansion.

Wet ground wood needles can compress bind together and This work included the project management removal of redundant compact into sprockets and chains which require specialist equipment and installation of the new equipment along with cleaning equipment and steep feed chutes. modifying the feed system to include and weigh screw measuring Warm dried ground needles from the wood drier can again compact wet wood to the drum. due to humidity and condensation and corrode equipment due to With GAME’s previous experience on the site and also the tight

“Game Engineering provided a wood chip handling system and storage chamber. GAME took on board the design of all facets of this wood chip intake and transfer distribution system, manufacturing all required equipment, controls and access walkways and installed all the plant and equipment” their chemical properties.Therefore conveying equipment has to be manufactured in different materials to cope with this arduous environment.

When the wood needles are dried, cooled and fine ground, again these properties cause new handling challenges. The material becomes light and dusty, handling equipment must be dust tight, have various cleaning devices e.g. chain cleaners and cup flights to ensure carry over is kept to a minimum.

timescales required for the project completion, GAME were appointed as project managers.

The project was allocated 16 weeks from shut down to the new drier and all associated works completed ready for production.

THIS INCLUDED: • Health and safety • Design for planning, civil works and the new process.

• Removal/dismantling of existing buildings/old drier/associated feed equipment, clearing the site and services • Civil works – including breaking out old and installing new • Installation of new services • Delivery, unloading and installation of the new drier parts from Spain • Lagging and refractory lining of the new drier • Modifications to the existing conveying systems • Commissioning of the new plant, including integration with the old systems and production requirements

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The project was delivered on time and within budget and the commissioning results have proved positive on the performance, production and energy savings and confirmed the tight constraints of the installation period did not compromise performance or quality.

A final example of GAME’s knowledge and experience was shown when they were approached to design and install an intake, transfer and distribution system to handle 100cu.m/hr of woodchip for the prison service.

The system was required to handle 100cu.m/hr of G50W50, delivered in 30cu.m tipper trailers.The main issues of the project were the confined space in which to fit the equipment into and protection against oversize material entering the system.

Selection of the materials handling equipment was crucial, shaftless screw conveyors were chosen due to vast running experience on various woodchip grades and their built–in design features allowing out of spec material to go through the system without causing equipment damage and the ability to convey material vertically, keeping the system footprint to an absolute minimum.

The delivery vehicle reverses up to the external below ground intake pit. From the intake pit, protected using a hinged weather

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cover, the woodchip is withdrawn using a double shafted screw discharger, and transferred to the pre–cast storage bunker using a series of horizontal and a vertical shaftless screw conveyors.The woodchip is dropped into the bunker from two distribution conveyors with multiple intermediate out lets; ensuring maximum storage capacity is reached.The contract was carried out as a sub–contract project complete with controls, site electrics and maintenance access platforms as required.

Alan Thomson, Contracts Engineer at CMB Engineering commented “Game Engineering provided a wood chip handling system and storage chamber. GAME took on board the design of all facets of this wood chip intake and trans fer distribution system, manufacturing all required equipment, controls and access walkways and installed all the plant and equipment.They proved themselves up to the job and able to respond to a fast track programme to ensure the plant was operational on time” If you would like to discuss a possible project with one of our qualified engineers please call us on Tel: 01522 868021, or email: sales@game–engineering.com. Alternatively, for further information please visit the following website, www.game–engineering.com

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