Chip storage and reclaiming systems

Cost-effective solutions for storing and mixing wood chips

Cost-effective production of pulp, paper, and panelboard is very much dependent on efficient handling of the wood chips.  To ensure good inventory control and proper mixing of chips, they must be properly stored and reclaimed for transport to the pulp mill or panelboard plant. 

Proper storage not only provides a work-in-process inventory buffer to enable continuous production, but also includes capabilities for blending different sources of wood fiber into a homogenous mix. That is why the storage volume needs to be large enough to allow for blending and homogenization. The discharge equipment from the storage unit should continue the process of mixing and blending.  

Complete systems or specific equipment – ANDRITZ has the solution

ANDRITZ offers complete solutions for storing, mixing, and equalizing wood chips for pulp, paper, and panelboard production.  The scope of supply can vary from complete plants to individual equipment delivery. ANDRITZ is very experienced in project management, ensuring deliveries that are on-time and on-budget, and produce excellent economic results for energy producers.

Wood chip storage systems

With a large portfolio of products in this area, ANDRITZ offers a solution for virtually every wood or biomass raw material storage need.

Linear storage system with screw reclaimer discharge

Linear storage systems can be covered or open. The chip reclaiming is performed with underpile screw reclaimers. ANDRITZ designed a shuttle belt stacking system for stacking the linear piles. It consists of a traveling belt conveyor, which moves back and forth above the pile and distributes chips evenly over the whole pile area.

Round silo storage system

Silo diameters can be up to 25 m for bark, and up to 42 m for chips. Silos can be made of steel or concrete, with or without insulation depending upon the climate. Silo storage helps maintain constant chip moistures, and are more environmentally friendly since they virtually eliminate dust to the outside environment.  The silos eliminate the negative effects of snow or ice on the chips.

Chip receiving station with hopper discharge system

ANDRITZ chip receiving stations are designed to handle large quantities of screened or unscreened purchased chips. Chips are discharged from the hopper with screws, linear stokers, or a chain reclaimer. The receiving station can also be equipped with a disc screen for scalping out foreign particles.

Receiving stations can include truck dumps and or rail car unloading, and hoppers are customized to specific discharge requirements.  Moving grid bars on the top of the receiving pocket allows chips to flow easily between the bars and into the pocket.  In addition to aiding chip flow, the grid bars prevent foreign objects from entering the receiving pocket.

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