How can a 20MW / 30 ton biomass steam boiler handle bark and wood chips with high moisture?

A 20MW biomass steam boiler for 30 t/h saturated steam is a typical demand in sawmills, wood processing plants, panel board factories, pulp-related facilities, and biomass energy projects. In this inquiry, the customer requires about 30 t/h saturated steam at 10 bar and 180°C, using bark and wood chips with moisture content that may reach 65%. The project location is Argentina. These conditions need careful review before selecting a 20MW biomass steam boiler.

For 30 t/h saturated steam at around 10 bar, the required heat output is close to the 20MW range, depending on feedwater temperature, blowdown rate, steam quality, and auxiliary system configuration. However, the fuel condition is the key point. Bark and wood chips with high moisture have lower available heat, slower ignition, and larger flue gas volume. If moisture reaches 65%, the 20MW biomass steam boiler may need a larger furnace volume, longer fuel drying section, optimized air distribution, stronger grate adaptability, and possibly fuel pretreatment or blending with lower-moisture biomass.

ZOZEN Boiler can consider DZW or SZL series biomass steam boiler solutions for this capacity range. The DZW series non-ash-accumulating reciprocating grate biomass steam boiler covers 15–35 t/h, with common working pressure options including 1.25 MPa, 1.6 MPa, and 2.5 MPa. For a 30 ton biomass steam boiler, the reciprocating grate can support staged combustion and improve adaptability to biomass fuels with uneven size and moisture. The final model should be confirmed after receiving fuel analysis and project steam parameters.

When a customer plans a 20MW biomass steam boiler for bark and wood chips, fuel preparation should be considered together with the boiler. Fuel size control, removal of stones and metal, covered storage, moisture management, feeding system design, and ash handling all affect boiler operation. For 65% moisture biomass, drying or blending may be needed to keep combustion stable. A boiler can be designed for wet biomass within a certain range, but fuel fluctuation should be clearly defined in the technical specification.

For Argentina or other overseas projects, the quotation for a 30 ton biomass steam boiler should also include shipping plan, pressure part certification, electrical standard, control language, spare parts, installation guidance, commissioning support, and after-sales response. ZOZEN Boiler can provide technical drawings, system configuration, and communication for boiler island scope.

To prepare a proposal for a 20MW biomass steam boiler, please send fuel analysis, steam pressure, steam temperature, feedwater temperature, daily operating hours, emission requirement, site layout, and preferred supply scope. ZOZEN Boiler can review the data and provide a biomass boiler solution for bark and wood chips. Project information can be sent to info@zozen.com.