New cost-effective woodfuel supply chains publication for Ireland- Coford

Exerpt from executive summary:

The main objective of the ForestEnergy 2007 & 2008 Technology Transfer Programme was to demonstrate cost-effective
woodfuel supply chains for woodchip suitable in industrial, medium and small-scale applications and firewood supply chains
in small-scale applications. The main forest resource targeted for these activities was private forest at the first thinning stage.
Five conifer and four broadleaf thinning sites were identified based on geographic location, and their being representative
of the normal range of site conditions, ground bearing capacity and slope found in Irish forest plantations. During the field
trials, public demonstrations of the machinery and methods used were held in conjunction with Teagasc and the Forest
Service. Five demonstrations were held during harvesting operations and a further three were carried out during the chipping
operations.
The woodfuel production methods trialled on conifer sites were as follows:
1. 3 m shortwood lengths harvested by mechanical harvester, extracted by forwarder, chipped by roadside chipper.
2. 3 m to 4.5 m xenergy wood lengths harvested by mechanical harvester, extracted by forwarder, chipped by
roadside chipper.
3. Whole trees harvested by chainsaw, chipped in the stand with a terrain chipper, extracted by chip forwarder.
4. Whole trees treated with herbicide, and killed chemically, felled and chipped in the stand by terrain chipper,
extracted by chip forwarder.
5. Whole trees harvested by chainsaw, extracted by winch and chipped by a roadside chipper.
6. Variable shortwood lengths harvested by chainsaw, extracted by all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and processed into
firewood.

A great overview of the issues related to woody biomass. Explores chemical treatment and air drying benefits. A great overview of all systems from fully mechanical to horse-drawn skidding. 96 p.