Study of the Efficiency of Machine Systems for Fuel Chip Production at Logging Sites

Purpose of the research – to evaluate the effi ciency of various technical and technological solutions for the production of fuel chips at logging sites. Methods. Within the scope of this work, six options for organizing the production of chips directly at logging sites were analyzed using three types of wood chipping machines: the DP 660 TС with manual material feeding, the Farmi CH-27ACC with mechanized biomass feeding, and the Skorpion 350 RBP mounted on a trailer with a chip container and mechanical material feeding for chipping. Results. The system based on the DP 660 TС with manual feeding provided an annual production volume of fuel chips at the level of 912 tons. The use of the Farmi CH-27ACC in the variant of collecting and processing logging residues ensured a productivity of 2.08 t/h, which corresponds to a seasonal volume of 1664 tons. When chipping wood residues formed into windrows, the productivity of the Farmi CH-27ACC increased to 3.47 t/h, and the annual production to 2776 tons. The highest productivity during main operational time – 19.74 t/h – was demonstrated by the Skorpion 350 RBP. However, signifi cant time costs for transporting biofuel to the consumer in in-line systems caused a decrease in productivity per shift time by more than tenfold. The economic assessment revealed the unprofi tability of using the Skorpion 350 RBP in the in-line method of chip harvesting. With the reloading method, the productivity of the Skorpion 350 RBP increased to 3.37 t/h, which allowed for a positive economic effect of 498 UAH/t. The highest economic effi ciency – 922 UAH/t – was recorded for the in-line method of chip production using a machine complex consisting of LT-105 “Solis” tractors (4 units), a ZP1 forest rake, a Farmi CH-27ACC wood chipper, and two 2TSP-14 chip trailers. Conclusions. For boiler houses with different annual fuel needs, the following technical and technological solutions are advisable: up to 1000 t – a system based on the DP 660 TС with manual feeding; up to 2000 t – the option of collecting and chipping logging residues at the logging site using the Farmi CH-27ACC; up to 3000 t – the option of chipping formed windrows with the Farmi CH-27ACC and the reloading method of harvesting using the Skorpion 350 RBP. The obtained results can be used in the practical activities of state administration bodies, industry ministries, enterprises, and organizations involved in the harvesting of wood fuel raw materials, its chipping, transportation, and supply of fuel chips to consumers.