Combustion Lab

In the combustion lab we investigate materials and processes for the conversion of biomass to heat or value-added industrial products. Biomass is a renewable and locally produced energy source for domestic and industrial heating, with a longstanding tradition in Norway. Contemporary processing of biomass for heat production includes biochar, pelletizing briquetting, as well as conversion of biomass to biogas and biocrude through processes at elevated temperatures and pressures. 

CN 25 Woodchip Boiler
Industrial boiler with nominal output 25.2 kW for combustion of wood chips, pellets, and other combustible biomass. Automatic operation using a feedscrew for addition of biomass, and oxygen sensor for regulation of airflow. 250-liter capacity and up to 90.8% effectivity. 

Wodtke Pellet Oven
Low-particulate oven for domestic heating, with nominal output 6.0 kW using pellet feedstock. Automatic pellet feed and regulation of airflow. 

HTL Test Rig
Research rig for conversion of biomass to biogas and biocrude through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). Heat supplied using a temperature regulated fluidized bed. 

Kittec SQ 11 Electrical Kiln
Programmable electrical kiln with nominal effect 2.4 kW, for temperatures up to 1350°C. With a volume of 11 liters this kiln is used primarily for research on pyrolysis, self-heating, and other heat treatments. The kiln is adapted for wired signals and gas supply. 

Nabertherm LT 40/11 Muffle Furnace
Programmable electric muffle furnace with P330 controller and nominal effect 6.0 KW. For temperatures up to 1100°C. With a volume of 40 liters the furnace is used for heat treatment of larger samples. 

Termaks 4225 Drying Oven 
High capacity drying oven with nominal effect 1.2 kW. For heat treatment and storage of samples, as well as gravimetric measurement of water content. The oven maintains 105°C year round. 

MTI Heated Pellet Press
Hydraulic pellet press with up to 60 kN payload and 1100°C working temperature. For pelletizing biomass and other carbon sources. Standard pressing dies in steel can be used up to 400°C. 

KAHL Pellet Hardness Tester 
Automatic hardness tester for pellets up to 22 mm diameter. For comparison of compressive strenght for pellets of different compositions and production methods.  

Bioenergy Tumbler 1000+
Automated testing for mechanical durability of pellets according to ISO 17831-1. Normally uses a sample size of 500g per test.