​REPORTING FROM IRBEA WORKSHOPS AND SITE VISITS ON WOOD FUEL DRYING TECHNIQUES

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) and the Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) Scheme organised a series of wood fuel drying demonstrations and workshops over the last two months. These events were kindly hosted by WFQA members, Sherlogs, Brennans Hardware and Cotter Bros Firewood who are all certified firewood suppliers.

Wood fuel drying is a pivotal stage in the production of quality wood fuels. New air quality regulations require firewood to meet specific standards, meeting the moisture content requirements have proven a challenge for some suppliers. Various drying methods can be used to season firewood, including polytunnel drying, kiln drying and air drying. The techniques used vary depending on wood type, desired moisture content, production scale, and resource availability. This series of workshops explored each option to allow suppliers determine the best method for them.
These free events were open to IrBEA & WFQA members, potential new members, firewood suppliers, forest owners and interested stakeholders. The WFQA will complete full reports of each day and the techniques used in published factsheets later this summer, however we have completed a brief of each day below.
Workshop 1: Sherlogs – Poly Tunnel drying
Sherlogs are a firewood supplier in Navan Co. Meath, operated by John and Evelyn Sherlock they have been supplying certified firewood for over a decade. Sherlogs have perfected methods of air drying round-logs outside to a partially seasoned state, then processing this into firewood and carrying out the remaining drying in specially designed poly tunnels. Poly tunnels offer a low cost option for drying and storing firewood and have become quite popular with WFQA members.
Workshop 2: Kiln drying with Gordon Knaggs and Brennans Hardware
This day started in the Keadeen Hotel with lectures from Gordon Knaggs and Noel Gavigan on kiln drying. Gordon is a recognised expert in kiln design and operation within the sawmill sector, he discussed in detail the processes going on in a kiln, the key features of drying timber evenly, and kiln design to assist even drying.
​Afterwards the workshop proceeded to Brennans Hardware, who recently installed a Firemaster Kiln, on hand was Noel Blair of Firemaster who gave a thorough demonstration of the kiln design and operation.


Workshop 3: Cotter Bros Firewood – Air drying
Cotter Bros Firewood have perfected methods to air dry firewood to under 20% through careful stacking and monitoring of roundwood, followed by open shed storage to allow for final drying down to the required moisture content. Cotters are certified suppliers for over a decade and their methods have ensured cost effective and reliable production of firewood under 20%. They outlined how their consumers have become accustomed to, and now expect firewood to be under 20%, this has greatly assisted Cotter Bros to hold a protected customer base who appreciate the value of good quality fuel.

At the conclusion of the last event Noel Gavigan, WFQA auditor said: “Through these workshops and site visits, participants will gain practical insights on wood fuel drying, interact with industry experts and exchange knowledge. These workshops are designed to assist wood fuel suppliers to meet their moisture content requirements as specified under the Solid Fuel. We are extremely thankful to our host members who were very generous with information, and in demonstrating their techniques to all attendees, their dedication to improving the skillset of the entire industry is commendable.

The solid biomass and wood fuels sector is a crucial handler of forestry thinnings and residues. As Ireland seeks to decarbonise energy uses and move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, solid biomass has the potential to be a significant driver of this change.
Seán Finan concluded: “The raw material used to produce wood fuels including firewood, pellets and chip and briquettes are sourced from sustainable forest thinnings and residues from Irish forests. The use of dry wood fuels which are renewable, locally grown and produced are a sustainable form of solid fuel which can aid consumers to move away from fossil fuels. Dry wood fuels are critical to reducing air quality issues and maximising energy output.”