Spontaneous combustion of hog piles can result in inventory losses and potential damage to surrounding infrastructure and equipment. In April and June 2016, FPInnovations and Terminal Forest Product Ltd. conducted a study to investigate the use of thermal infra-red digital cameras to examine the thermal dynamics of a coastal hog fuel pile. They also investigated the feasibility of using thermal imaging to help develop better fire risk mitigation solutions.
Over the past few years, the constant rise in the price of fuel has prompted the development of new technologies to reduce fuel consumption. To address this concern heavy equipment manufacturers have been introducing new models integrating technologies, such as the diesel-electric hybrid suggesting improved fuel efficiency. In order to validate these claims FPInnovations has developed a methodology aimed at conducting controlled tests to measure fuel consumption. Tests were conducted on three different models of bulldozers of the same power class in order to compare their fuel consumption and energy efficiency. The evaluation of these three bulldozers was carried out on a controlled test track where standardized working conditions were reproduced. This report presents the findings of these tests conducted in Chipman, New Brunswick, in cooperation with J.D. Irving Limited. The test had three main objectives: 1) develop a standardized procedure to measure the fuel consumption of the bulldozers in a controlled environment; 2) compare the fuel consumption of three different models (drive trains) of bulldozers (electric, hydrostatic and standard) for a typical work cycle; and 3) quantify the variation in fuel consumption resulting from the differences between the engine/drive train technologies of the test machines.
Wildfire is a natural phenomenon in Canada that threatens to destroy property and endanger lives. Wildfire agencies are tasked with reducing the threat of wildfire in the wildland-urban interface, which becomes a greater issue as more communities locate near or within forests or become more populated.
Forest fuel treatments that reduce or modify forest stands are the most common and effective methods to reduce wildfire danger around communities. However, convincing the public to support forest fuel treatments around their communities can be a challenge for wildfire managers. Understandably, communities want some assurance that what they are committing to will make a difference. One of the many benefits of forest fuel treatments is thought to be an increase in the effectiveness of wildfire operations.
Le fluide d'échappement diésel (FED) fait partie intégrante de nouvelles machineries hors route équipées d’ensemble d’émissions Tier 4. Cette infoNote présente la consommation de DEF pour 4 équipements de récoltes : abatteuse-groupeuse, débardeuse à grappin ainsi que 2 transporteurs.
The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) undertook a project for Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to study the transportation of hog fuel from source to consumption site. In particular, FERIC gathered information from companies engaged in the supply, transportation, or use of hog fuel through direct visits or questionnaires. This report presents the types and costs of the various modes of transportation used—specifically truck, rail, and barge—and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Danglehead processors have operator selectable power modes that vary engine and hydraulic system response. This InfoNote explores the effect operator selectable power modes have on production and fuel consumption, and discusses where the modes can best be used in operations
Timber harvest companies are looking for cost-effective methods for harvesting low value fibre. FPInnovations conducted a multi-faceted research project in the Nazko region to compare several operational aspects of two harvest methods: cut-to-length and conventional.
As part of this research project, FPInnovations’ wildfire group measured and assessed the harvest residue resulting from both harvest methods. With this information, we were able to evaluate potential fire behaviour in each of the harvest areas.
Evaluation of forest environments to assess fuel loading using conventional inventory methods is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and requires extensive training to be completed correctly. Fuels managers would like to apply simpler, less expensive fuel sampling methods and still maintain acceptable accuracy in fuel load measurements.
FPInnovations has explored different fuel sampling techniques that may be applicable to the forest stands of central British Columbia. The photoload sampling technique was deemed to be a valuable tool that can be enhanced to suitably represent the forest fuels in Interior Douglas-fir environments and can be adapted to other fuel environments with appropriate amendments.
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is an essential fluid, and a new cost component, for new off-road logging machines that are equipped with Tier 4 final emissions packages. This InfoNote explores DEF consumption for four harvest machines: feller-buncher, skidder, and two forwarders.
The objective of this study was to assess the potential for downsizing skidder requirements on soft ground through the use of high-flotation tires. The test was designed to compare the relative performance of a 90-kw skidder with conventional tires and chains to that of a 67-kw skidder equipped with high-flotation tires. The comparison criteria were short-and long-term productivity, fuel consumption, ground disturbance and operating costs. The trial was performed in the Abitibi region of Quebec under contract to the Ministère de l'Énergie et des ressources du Québec.
