Case Studies 
SDF Case Study 1: Installation of Vegas boiler on Exmoor. To view this case study please use these links:
Case Study 1 - PDF format (141kb) 
SDF Case Study 2: Installation of Rayburn Cookmaster on Exmoor. To view this case study please use these links:Case Study 2 - PDF format (157kb) Commissioning of a new 250 kW boiler at Loyton strengthens a developing heat cluster
Long term member and supporter of South West Wood Fuels, Alick Barnes cut his teeth with wood heating back in 2000 when he installed a VETO 40kW system to heat his offices. His new project is a shooting lodge, hotel and conference centre completed in November which needed a more powerful system to supply heating and all important hot water for the guests. A 250 kW Austrian Binder boiler was selected for its power, efficiency and sophisticated automated control, supplied by Wood Energy Limited from Oakford this boiler will be the largest in the area, consuming around 120 tonnes of fuel per annum. South West Wood Fuels will deliver the fuel procurement, handling and chipping initially until a supply contractor is identified and trained to take over this income generating service. Whilst the 120 tonnes demand only scratches the surface of the low grade thinnings available within 5 miles of Bampton it is hopefully a catalyst for further boiler installations in the area. This glimmer at the end of the tunnel may also encourage some woodland owners to revisit their thinning programmes probably shelved since pulp and chipwood prices have plummeted.
Charterhouse Centre, Blagdon
State of the art wood heating has hit the Mendips at last with the installation of a 55 kW Froeling turbomatic boiler in the Charterhouse Centre, Blagdon. Installed by Econergy Ltd with funding from Somerset County Council and Clearskies, it has been running since March this year. The centre is home to the Mendips AONB and provides educational and outdoor activities to approximately 44 children and adults per week. Head of Centre, John Baker explained that it fits with the centre's environmental policy for renewability and on a practical note during the winter on the Mendips a plentiful supply of green heat will keep the staff and guests in good humour! The centre is very fortunate in being a mile from a large wood recycling centre called Mendip Wood Shavings. A very clean and uniform specification of wood shred from discarded pallets and demolition wood has been produced. And at 10-15% moisture content and prices of £35-45 tonnes delivered, the centre is really running on a cheap and local fuel source. When SWWF visited in May the boiler was running successfully, and some planning problems affecting the fuel delivery were being addressed. It is certainly good news to have a new installation in Somerset and hopefully many more schools will follow the good example of Charterhouse.
Start of pelletisation at Shepton Mallet
Renewable Heat and Power Ltd have collaborated with South Wood Waste Management to install a Swedish pelletiser made by Sweden Power Chippers AB, this is a first in the South West. It is fed a mixture of sawdust and shavings with a maximum moisture content of 12-14%, the machine can produce 300kg pellets per hour. This output would be appropriate for many small sawmills and joinery shops that currently have a problem with waste dust. When run 24/7 output could reach 2,000 tonnes per annum. Larger models are also available. Current prices for imported bagged pellets are £180 per tonne. Home produced bulk supply should easily compete with this as demand expands this year. Prices of bespoke pelletising equipment are of the order of £50-110,000 depending on output and additional equipment (eg bagging machine) however it should be eligible for an infrastructure grant in September and those with knowhow are experimenting with feed mill equipment. There is news of another pelletisation project at Winkleigh linked to the pet accessory company Vital which is planned for later this year. Possibly some production will be available for fuel and we will report about this when we get more news.
For a full report on other existing installations please click here:-
Existing Installations
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Fire Walk 
The circle of woodburning
