Any energy plant operator knows how important plant maintenance is to the successful operation of a plant. It’s never a topic operators love talking about, though, because keeping up with regular maintenance – including preventative maintenance – can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and complicated. Even so, regular plant maintenance is essential… Read More
The biomass industry has grown considerably over the past decade, with even more growth scheduled for this year and the upcoming years. Only two years ago, a global research firm predicted that biomass would triple in growth by 2030, which is now only 15 years away. And more entrepreneurs and… Read More
In December 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its first-ever Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) regulations for power plants. MATS is designed to limit mercury, acid gases, and other pollution deemed toxic from the nation’s power plants. The EPA granted power plants four years to be in compliance… Read More
Biomass pellets are used for a variety of industrial and domestic purposes, especially in heating. Over the years, as oil prices have risen, biomass pellets have increased in popularity thanks to their energy efficiency and their cost advantages. Now, though, the price of oil has taken a tumble and has… Read More
On December 22, 2008, a dike failure at a coal ash handling facility in Kingston, TN resulted in 5.4 million cubic yards of coal ash flooding into two nearby rivers and covering over 300 acres. The breach damaged or destroyed dozens of homes in what was the largest coal ash spill… Read More
In what could be the beginning of positive news for the biomass industry – as well as the energy industry as a whole – the Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that it is developing a framework by which it will evaluate biomass to see if there are any “climate policy… Read More
If you are anything like most installations in your industry, you undoubtedly have extensive capital invested in your machinery and equipment. After all, your plant’s mission is successful only when your equipment is operating as intended. As you know, a preventive maintenance plan is the key to successful operation and reduced downtime…. Read More
Woodyards can be classified into three main categories: automated, manual, and semi-automated. Deciding on which approach best suits a facility’s needs requires careful evaluation of several criteria: Volume – the amount of fuel storage and throughput Size – the footprint for the woodyard Budget – capital outlay vs. operating costs… Read More
