Composite residue logs cut wood-fuel costs

A summary is given of various studies conducted in Sweden into systems for compacting logging residue into cylindrical bales (approximately 3 m in length, diameter about 0.75 m, weight 400-600 kg) known as composite logging residue logs (CRLs). Each CRL has an energy output in excess of 1 MWh. The compaction units can be mounted on medium- or heavy-duty forwarders, weigh 5 to 6.5 t. Handling of the CRL bales is simple, as they can be managed in the same way as roundwood throughout forestry operations: conventional forwarders and roundwood haulage rigs can be used. Short reviews are given of studies into compaction, extraction, secondary haulage, storage, chipping, and comparative costs (with traditional chipping systems). CRL systems are still being developed, and further studies may focus on efficient methods for chipping CRLs, and securing bales safely during transport