Laboratory Analysis
Two 5Kg samples of bracken pellets were sent off during March to two different testing organisations, one in Scotland and the other in North Wales.
First results confirm that bracken is likely to make a very good biomass fuel.
Comprehensive assessment of the results is underway to gain a full understanding of the raw material, the characteristics of bracken pellets, their performance in biomass boilers and the outcomes in burning bracken pellets.
Unsurprisingly, moisture content proves to be an important factor, not only with regards to the calorific value, but also with regards to other characteristics such as the temperature that ash starts to fuse. There are several significant benefits to ensuring a moisture content of around 15%, both for the raw material before it is turned into pellets and for the pellets themselves, keeping an eye on moisture content during storage.
Most pellets are hydroscopic to some degree (naturally absorbing moisture from the atmosphere) and bracken pellets are no exception. We shall have to pay particular attention to moisture levels during production and later storage. Storage in sealed 15kg (recycled) bags will certainly help regarding long term storage.
Results of the analysis confirms the beneficial effect that Bracken ash has in horticulture with 64% potash content making it a very useful natural fertiliser.
So far no carcegens have been found in our samples, which is as expected given that the raw material is harvested once the plant has died (i.e. is brown). In the past, academic research has found the presence of carcegens in green samples of bracken, particularly when the plant is sporring, but the same research has found no such presence once the plant has turned brown. We have referenced the principal research on our page 'Creating the Fuel'.
We have repeated this research with our own samples from the Mendip Hills using the same laboratory, same techniques and even same personnel as the original analysis quoted in the published research.
As we have made clear elsewhere on this website, it is our intention to do whatever we can to ensure our products are safe to handle and to burn in approved biomass boilers. We undertake to continue to test samples of each harvest to check that there continues to be is no presence of carcegens in our products.
Should you have any questions or would like to raise any issues with us concerning the above Brackenburn News Stories, please do not hesitate to contact us on enquiry@brackenburn.co.uk.