Biomass & Alternative Fuels Application
Know your fuel quality — before it reaches the boiler
Biomass, refuse-derived fuel, and alternative fuel operations depend on consistent fuel quality to maintain combustion efficiency and support emissions management. ETI online analyzers deliver real-time elemental data directly on the conveyor — so operators can blend, route, and adjust feed based on measured composition, not laboratory results that arrive hours later.
The Challenge
Fuel quality varies. Combustion problems don't wait for the lab.
Biomass and alternative fuels are inherently variable — moisture, ash content, sulfur, and chlorine can shift significantly from load to load or even within a single delivery. Traditional grab sampling and laboratory analysis introduce delays that leave operators reacting to combustion problems rather than preventing them.
ETI online analyzers measure the full fuel stream continuously on the conveyor belt, reporting updated results every minute. Plant operators see quality changes as they happen and can adjust blend ratios or boiler feed rates before off-spec material reaches the combustion chamber.
From Receiving to Combustion
Continuous fuel quality data at every process decision point
Continuous measurement can support decisions at key points throughout the fuel handling and combustion chain — from receiving through boiler feed.
At fuel receiving
Measure incoming fuel quality as it arrives from each supplier or delivery. Identify high-ash, high-moisture, or high-chlorine loads before they enter the fuel handling system — and route them to separate storage or blending.
At blending & stockpile
Monitor the composition of each fuel stockpile and blend in real time. Use measured ash, moisture, and heating value to proportion biomass, coal, or alternative fuel fractions to hit a consistent feed specification.
At boiler feed
Use continuous elemental data to adjust feed rates and maintain stable combustion conditions. Respond to quality shifts in the fuel stream before they cause efficiency losses or combustion upsets.
For emissions management
Track sulfur and chlorine content continuously on the conveyor. Real-time fuel quality data supports emissions management by identifying high-sulfur or high-chlorine loads before they reach the combustion chamber — complementing the stack monitoring and permit-specific testing your operation requires.
ETI Instruments for Biomass & Alternative Fuels
The right instrument for your measurement point
ETI offers instruments for elemental analysis, heating value measurement, and material weighing — each suited to a different point in the fuel handling and combustion chain.
Model 730 FSEA
The Model 730 FSEA uses PGNAA technology to measure the full elemental composition of biomass and alternative fuels on the belt — ash, moisture, sulfur, chlorine, and more. The primary instrument for fuel quality control and emissions management support.
- Ash
- Moisture
- S (sulfur)
- Cl (chlorine)
- K₂O
- Na₂O
- SiO₂
- Al₂O₃
- CaO
- Fe
Model DGA-410M
The DGA-410M uses dual-gamma technology to measure ash content, moisture, and heating value continuously on the conveyor — a proven solution for wood-chip and biomass fuel quality monitoring where full elemental analysis is not required.
- Ash content
- Moisture
- Heating value
- Material weight
Model 500 Belt Scale
The Model 500 Nuclear Belt Scale measures material weight and flow rate continuously on the conveyor — providing the tonnage data needed to track fuel consumption, manage stockpiles, and proportion blends accurately alongside elemental analysis.
- Material weight (tons/hour)
- Cumulative tonnage
- Belt speed
Model 510 BTU Meter
The Model 510 BTU Meter measures the heating value of coal and biomass blends continuously on the conveyor — providing real-time energy content data to optimize blend ratios and maintain consistent boiler input.
- Heating value (BTU/lb or MJ/kg)
- Moisture
- Ash content
- Continuous belt measurement
Where ETI Analyzers Are Used
Applications across biomass and alternative fuel operations
Biomass co-firing at coal power plants
Monitor biomass quality and blend ratio on the conveyor as biomass is co-fired with coal. Measure ash, moisture, sulfur, and chlorine continuously to maintain combustion efficiency and support fuel quality management within boiler and permit parameters.
Waste-to-energy & refuse-derived fuel
Measure the elemental composition of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and municipal solid waste (MSW) on the conveyor. Track chlorine and sulfur content to manage corrosion risk and support emissions management before material enters the combustion chamber.
Alternative fuel processing
Monitor the quality of alternative fuels — including tire-derived fuel, industrial waste, and agricultural residues — on the conveyor. Use real-time ash, moisture, and heating value data to proportion blends and maintain consistent boiler feed quality.
Tell us about your biomass or alternative fuel application
Our engineers can help you identify the right measurement point and instrument configuration for your fuel handling system. Most inquiries receive a response within one business day.