docE.M. Dodson, and A.E. Kash
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E.M. Dodson, and A.E. Kash
ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS: A SOLUTION TO WOODY BIOMASS REMOVAL? Aaron Kash, Research Assistant – CFC – University of Montana What is Forest Biomass? Photo courtesy of Beth Dodson Photo courtesy of Beth Dodson Past Methods Prescribed burning/jackpot burning. Mechanical mastication. Forest thinning. Photo courtesy of Beth Dodson Photo courtesy of pcrucifer Photo courtesy of California Forest Stewardship Program Solution? The use of hook-lift equipped forest machines and trucks in combination with roll-off/on containers. Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Justification for Research Natural fire cycles have been altered across large areas of the West … and increasing wildland fire risk and hazard. When emphasizing smaller trees and shrubs, mechanical thinning can be effective in reducing vertical fuel continuity. A trend of nondependence on fossil fuels. Limited chip van accessibility. Goals 1. 2. 3. Create a method for extracting slash from the woods and transporting the material to a facility where the previously unused biomass can be converted to energy. Create a method that can meet goal 1 but also be capable of merchantable logging. Reduce costs in logging operations by reducing the time taken to accomplish various tasks as well as improve harvesting production/efficiency. Background Origins of the hook-lift and roll-on/off system. Photo courtesy of Craig Rawlings Photo courtesy of Craig Rawlings Photo courtesy of Craig Rawlings Background 2006 – modifications Photo courtesy of Craig Rawlings Proposed operation cycle: Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Truck delivers empty bunks/bins to the site. Forwarder harvests, processes, and then skids logs using hook-lift equipped bunk. Forwarder delivers the loaded bunk to landing. Hook-lift equipped truck loads the bunk of logs. Truck delivers bunk of logs to the mill. Cycle repeats. 820C Timbco Forwarder Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash 1989 Peterbilt Class 8 Truck Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Hotsaw Attachment Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Dangle-head Processor Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Grapple Attachment Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Roll-off Bins Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Roll-off Bunks Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Photo courtesy of Aaron Kash Demonstration Cycle Video Video courtesy of Dave Atkins Study Design For each process, a time and motion study will be conducted to estimate process time expectations, production rates, and hourly costs. Shift Level Data MultiDAT Final Result: A series of case studies. Draw major conclusions from case studies. Expected costs, production rates, and improvements. Study Sites – Near Completion Lower Pinkham Area – Eureka, MT 15.3 Acres were treated Four arrangements of equipment/processes were studied Return in early fall to study chipping of biomass Parkside, Greenough, and Limber Pine Campgrounds – Red Lodge, MT Blowdown within campgrounds were salvaged Two arrangements of equipment/processes were studied Preliminary Results – Eureka, MT Time saved in unloading logs: Pulp: 4.52 min – 2.56 min = 1.96 minutes Sawlog: 5.3 min – 2.56 min = 2.74 minutes Time saved in loading haul truck: Pulp: 40.25 min – 21.34 min = 18.9 minutes Sawlog: lacking data at this time. Cost savings of $225.60 for every truck load of pulp material when using truck and forwarder. Diesel Gallons/Green Ton Brush = 1.3 Diesel BTUs to Green Slash BTUs: 1 : 51.0 Potential Improvement Areas Visibility when using the bin containers. Clearance between the support rails of the bunk and the logs. Loading the pup trailer in slick conditions. Study Sites – Current & Planned Hebgen Lake Area – West Yellowstone, MT Even aged lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) Brush will be transported 7 miles via trucks and bins to a holding area to later be chipped Study at least three arrangements Council, ID Blowdown area caused by tornado Use bins to recover slash Summary Provides an appealing alternative to prescribed burning given the involved risks. Serve as link from the woods to chip van transport. Time savings in handling of merchantable timber. Increases production by allowing forwarder and haul trucks to operate independently. A net energy gain. Acknowledgements Elizabeth M. Dodson, P.E., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Integrated Natural Resource Planning Craig and Ckye Thomas (Cky-Ber Enterprises, Inc.) David Atkins, Fuels for Schools Program Manager, United States Forest Service. Craig Rawlings, TimberBuySell.com & Smallwood Utilization Network Divisions of the Montana Community Development Corp.
