oksasilppua

Oksasilppua is a Finnish term used in forestry and energy sectors to denote branch chips, i.e., wood chips produced from branches, twigs and pruning residues. The word can refer both to the material itself and to the process of producing it by mechanical chipping.

Production and sources are typically forestry by‑products and trimming waste. Common feedstocks include thinning residues, pruning waste, brushwood and other small-diameter woody material. Oksasilppua is produced with wood chippers or shredders designed for handling branch and bushy material. The resulting chips are usually irregular in shape and size, with dimensions depending on the equipment and end-use requirements.

Uses and context are concentrated in renewable energy and biomass applications. The primary use of oksasilppua is as a fuel for district heating plants, small-scale boilers and some electricity generation facilities. It can also serve as a raw material in pulp and paper processes or, in landscaping, as mulch. Compared with solid wood, its energy density is lower and moisture content can be relatively high, influencing storage, handling and transportation.

Characteristics and management considerations include variability in composition, moisture content and particle size, which affect energy value and combustion behavior. Storage and handling require attention to moisture accumulation, decomposition and dust generation. Proper processing, drying when feasible, and suitable storage conditions help maintain quality and usability of oksasilppua as a biomass fuel.

See also: wood chips, biomass energy, forestry residues.