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Module 3: Harvesting Biomass for Bioenergy Production

Introduction

Timber harvesting technology adapts constantly to new product opportunities and challenges, most recently the recovery of woody biomass for use in producing bioenergy and bio-based products. Woody biomass harvesting systems fell and recover woody biomass and transport it to a central location where it can be processed or directly loaded onto trucks for transport to a biomass-using facility. This process can be done concurrently with a conventional timber harvest or as a separate harvest operation. A number of timber harvesting systems have the capability to harvest and

 

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recover woody biomass.  To be feasible though, they must also be safe for the operator, socially acceptable, environmentally safe, and cost effective. 

 

Harvesting operations designed to recover, process, and deliver woody biomass typically involve several different phases: 

 

  1. harvesting or felling,
  2. pre-processing and drying,
  3. transportation and delivery, and
  4. storage.

Click on the image below to view an interactive graphic about the timber harvesting process.
 
 
This module includes 7 units that focus on several aspects of harvesting woody biomass for bioenergy; from the various harvesting types to transport, delivery, and storage of woody biomass.
    Unit 1: Forms of Woody Biomass
In this unit you will learn about the forms of woody biomass that are desirable for bioenergy production.
   Unit 2: Conventional Biomass Harvesting Systems
In this unit you will find a general description of two of the more conventional biomass harvesting systems:  one-pass and two-pass operations. In addition, you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages associated with conventional harvesting systems.
   Unit 3: Small-scale Biomass Harvesting Systems
This unit will briefly discuss small-scale biomass harvesting systems and the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of harvesting system.
   Unit 4: Processing and Drying
  In this unit you will learn about the steps involved in processing and drying woody biomass for bioenergy production.
   Unit 5: Transport and Delivery
  This unit provides information on transport methods and other aspects of moving woody biomass from the forest to the bioenergy facilities.
   Unit 6: Storing Woody Biomass
  This unit provides information on when it is or is not appropriate to store woody biomass and then appropriate storage techniques are discussed.
   Unit 7: Costs
In this unit you will find information on the costs associated with woody biomass harvesting, transportation, and delivery.
 
     
 

     After you complete all of the units, you should be able to:

 

  • Explain the Current and Emerging Biomass Harvesting Systems and Transportation Options.
  • Identify the Challenges Associated With Storage and Transportation of Woody Biomass.
  • Identify and Discuss Factors Affecting Harvesting and Transportation Costs.
 

 

There is a post-test at the end of this module to test what you have learned.  Additionally if you are interested in learning more about a particular term related to biomass or harvesting woody biomass please click on either the “glossary” tab in the upper navigational bar or the “additional materials” tab at the bottom of the left hand navigational bar.

 

Click the Next button at the bottom of this page to begin Unit 1: Forms of Woody Biomass
 

 

 ©2007 National Learning Center for Private Forest and Range Landowners
"A program of the Cooperative Extension Service funded by the Renewable Resources Extension Act"
Last Updated: November 11, 2007