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Finding a Manufacturer

The most important things to consider when searching for a biomass heating system are to know your needs and ask the right questions of a potential biomass heating system manufacturer.

AURI identified and surveyed nearly 100 manufacturers of biomass heating systems in the United States and Canada with the capability of serving light industrial / commercial purposes and agricultural needs. 

Click on the links below to view key information on the product lines of all numerous biomass heating manufacturers. 

Manufacturers with BTU Output of 1 million or less (PDF)

Manufacturers with BTU Output of 1 million or more (PDF)

Click on the link below to view contact information for all the manufacturers. 

Contact Information for all Manufacturers (PDF)

Questions to Ask

Some Things to Consider

The direct combustion of biomass is the simplest, most direct method of utilizing biomass energy.  This method requires the least capital investment for facilities and infrastructure to utilize the energy resource. 

When considering the purchase of a biomass burning unit, you will undoubtedly have many questions. Below you will find questions that are designed to help you gather the necessary information for making an informed decision. The answers to these questions may vary from model to model, and are also dependent on personal preferences and the anticipated location and function of the biomass burning unit. However, satisfactory answers to all questions should be received from the dealer before committing to a purchase.

Questions to Ask a Manufacturer

1.  Does the rated heating capacity in BTU per hour refer to BTU input or BTU output?

2.  Does the biomass-burning unit have Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification on the testing label?

3.  Does the operator's manual for the unit state what biomass material (or combination of materials) can be burned for good performance?

4.  If the biomass burner can effectively burn various biomass materials, what adjustments or modifications are required to burn the different biomass fuels?

5.  How often will the supply hopper need to be filled with biomass when the unit is burning at full capacity?

6.  Is the unit intended for indoor or outdoor installation?

7.  What are the maintenance requirements of the biomass burner compared to other heating units? How often do clinkers need to be knocked loose and removed? Must an additive (such as oyster shells) be burned along with the biomass to ease the cleaning requirements?

8.  Are sugars from burning the biomass likely to accumulate in the combustion chamber? If so, what is the recommended way to remove the sugars?

9.    What is the availability of biomass products in your area? What are the storage requirements for the biomass you purchase for the heating season and perhaps beyond?

10.  What is the recommended moisture content for the biomass to get most efficient performance of the biomass burner?

11. What type of exhaust ventilation system must be provided for the biomass burner? What are the local code requirements and insurance requirements for handling the combustion exhaust?

12. What capacity biomass burner is needed for the intended application? Is the building layout appropriate for the convective movement of the heated air throughout the whole building? Will the biomass burner be used to serve as the primary heat source for the building or if it is intended to serve as a supplementary or back-up source?

13. Can the biomass burner be connected with an existing hot water or hot air distribution system?

14. How much experience does the dealer have with installing and servicing biomass-burning stoves and boilers?

15. Which models are intended for residential applications and which models are for commercial and industrial applications?

16. What warranty comes with the biomass burner? Under what conditions will the warranty be voided?

Get Your Company on Our List

If you are a manufacturer of biomass heating system and would like to be added to our list,   please fill out this form (form in word format) and submit using one of the following methods:

            E-mail Info            Mail

AURI
PO Box 251
Waseca, MN 56093

Further Information

To learn more about Biomass as an energy source, explore any of the resources listed below.

Warm Up To Biomass Heating and Improve Your Bottom Line http://www.canren.gc.ca/prod_serv/index.asp?CaId=129&PgId=727

Buyer's Guide to Small Commercial Biomass Combustion Systems http://www.canren.gc.ca/prod_serv/index.asp?CaId=130&PgId=729

Small Commercial Biomass Combustion Systems: Market Study and Plan  http://www.canren.gc.ca/prod_serv/index.asp?CaId=162&PgId=860

Burning Shelled Corn as a Renewable Fuel     http://BurnCorn.cas.psu.edu

Energy Strategies                                       http://Energy.cas.psu.edu

Burning Shelled Corn to Produce Heat Energy http://www.bae.umn.edu/extens/energy/cornburners.html

Burning Shelled Corn as a Heating Fuel http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/93-023.htm