The wood transportation and resource analysis system (WTRANS): An analysis tool to assist wood residue producers and users

摘要

Anecdotal evidence from wood products producers suggests about a 50-mile radius as being economically viable for transporting wood residues. This article discusses a model in a spreadsheet program, named Wood Transportation and Resource Analysis System (WTRANS), that was developed to help potential users in sourcing wood residues, estimating the costs of transporting residues, and estimating and comparing the costs of using wood residues as a fuel source with the costs of other fuel sources. Cost calculations are provided to assist in the development of a similar program for other states. A case study for a nursery grower in the state requiring the transportation of wood residues for greenhouse heating is examined. Results indicate that the WTRANS model serves as a useful toot for potential wood users to locate wood residues and ascertain whether these residues can be economically transported. Further evidence suggests that wood residues can be economically transported for heating use by greenhouse growers.