Bale Burner Turns "Waste Bales" Into Fuel

Bale Burner Turns "Waste Bales" Into Fuel ENERGY Crop Residue Burners 27-3-20 If you can put it through your baler, you can turn it into fuel for the "BaleBurner" from Heatwerks, Inc., Morland, Kansas. Heatwerks makes two models of big bale burners that are being used to fire boilers for heating buildings, dry grain, and other purposes. Dave Goff, company owner, says one of his burners is being used in ethanol production. "To date, installations have used boilers, but the burner could easily be modified to a forced air system," he says. The Heatwerks Big Rig, which can produce up to 3 million btu's, opens on the side, while the smaller 1 million btu Ranch Rig opens on the end. Features of the Heatwerks burners include a grate made of four chain-driven rollers that rotate the bale as it burns, allowing for more even and complete combustion. "We found this was necessary in order to keep straw bales burning," Goff says. "If we don't keep turning the bale, a straw bale will actually smother itself out." An electric motor powers the chains. A popular option is an auger system that automatically removes ash, so the system never has to be shut down for cleaning. Goff began making bale burners four years ago. He says most of his customers burn wheat straw, but says some have baled prairie grass, weeds and brush for fuel. "We also make a coal adapter for our burners since we have access to low cost coal," he adds.

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