Kuoriputkilämpö

Kuoriputkilämpö, also known as bark heat, is a method of utilizing the thermal energy stored within tree bark. This concept is explored in the context of biomass energy and resource recovery. Bark, a byproduct of the timber and pulp industries, contains significant amounts of organic material. When subjected to appropriate thermal processes, this material can release its stored energy.

The principle behind kuoriputkilämpö involves heating bark to temperatures that facilitate the breakdown of its organic compounds, a process often referred to as pyrolysis or gasification. This thermal decomposition can yield various products, including combustible gases, bio-oil, and biochar. The combustible gases can be directly used for heating or to generate electricity, while bio-oil and biochar have potential applications as fuels or soil amendments.

Research into kuoriputkilämpö aims to optimize the efficiency of energy extraction from bark. Factors such as bark moisture content, particle size, and the specific thermal conversion technology employed all influence the yield and quality of the energy products. Challenges in implementing this technology often relate to the logistics of collecting and processing large volumes of bark, as well as managing potential emissions during the thermal conversion process. The concept represents an effort to extract further value from forestry waste streams, contributing to a more circular economy within the forest products sector.