Sawdust

Sawdust for Energy

Sawdust is a lignocellulosic biomass source that is the particulate residue of lumber production. Most sawdust is considered green, not dried, and is relatively uniform in size and shape. Sawdust is also refered to as "wood flour", a designation that indicates the particles can pass through a 20-mesh gauge screen.

Sawdust can be used in gasification, combustion, and pyrolysis processes as well as undergo fiber composite manufacturing to produce bedding, abrasives, insulation, and packaging. Sawdust is considered a secondary wood residue in addition to shavings and cut-offs from sawmill operations. Nearly 14.5 million tonnes of seconday wood residues are generated yearly, which sell for about $13 per dry tonne before delivery (Barber 2003).