PROBLEM
Inadequate lumber dry kiln capacity, for this hardwood flooring manufacturer, requires bringing 5th kiln on line. Presently have one (1) natural gas fired package boiler providing steam to all kilns. Operating the kilns on natural gas, for energy, is getting to be very expensive. Company has more than enough dry wood-residue for fuel, however, they currently sell it all for a premium return.

SOLUTION
Purchase a new wood fired boiler system designed to accommodate hard maple, oak, and other hardwood drying requirements and provide plant heat for employee comfort. High emphasis on efficiency. Low wood fuel consumption is very significant, as they have strong market with dependable wood residue vendor, and require minimal impact on that relationship.

ACTION Company ordered a new AFS Energy Systems wood fired boiler specified and sold by The A.L. Andersen Companies, Inc. Turn-key system included: computerized controls, automatic boiler tube cleaning, and Laidig Industrial Silo with bottom un-loader. Present gas fired boiler will be utilized as a standby/peaking boiler.

RESULTS

1. This business is successful! The natural gas bill for the coldest month of February was “zero.” Return On Investment is predicted to be two and one-half (2-1/2) to three (3) years.
2. Complete package automatically takes control of the fuel at the storage silo, and produces low pressure steam to the kilns for lumber drying, as well as, steam for plant heat in the winter months. Existing wood dust and shavings pneumatic extraction system modified to bring dry wood residues to fuel storage silo when level indicators call for more, and under normal operation convey by products of manufacturing to trailers for outside vendor.

THE A. L. ANDERSEN COMPANIES, INC.
P.O. Box 26, Waunaukee, WI 53597
608-849-7400     Fax 608-849-8142
ala@alandersencompanies.com