Introduction The University power plant has the opportunity to cut fuel costs, decrease air emissions and provide support for a local industry through the burning of biomass.

Background Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids uses large quantities of oats in the production of breakfast cereals. Two viable biomass fuels result: resifil and oat hulls. University of Iowa’s Boiler 11 is well suited to burn these fuels.

Background After discussions with Quaker, the decision was made to conduct a biomass test burn, making as few operational and equipment changes as was feasibly possible to minimize costs.

Background Received approval from IDNR for a 90-day trial burn using existing coal silo and fuel handling equipment. Planned to test both oat hulls and resifil in Blr. 11. IDNR approval required stack testing at five different coal/biomass fuel blends.

Biomass Trial Burn Began 90-day trial burn on July 16, blending resifil with coal. Experimented with fuel blends up to 50% resifil. Very positive results, however began to see boiler operational problems above 40% resifil.

Biomass Trial Burn Conducted stack testing for PM, CO and VOC’s on July 31, August 2 and August 5. CEMS used to monitor SO 2 and NO x.

Trial Burn Results

Summary of Results PM decreased with increasing resifil CO decreased with increasing resifil VOC’s decreased with increasing resifil

Summary of Results SO 2 increased with increasing resifil but is controllable. NO x increased at highest biomass blend ratio but boiler modifications will correct this.

Oat Hulls Prior to start of trial burn it was determined that oat hulls would not flow through existing coal silo. Requested and were granted IDNR approval to build separate biomass silo for the trial burn.

Oat Hulls Experience gained during resifil testing showed that burning oat hulls with the current fuel feed system would cause serious fuel feeding problems. Need fuel feed modifications!

Where are we now? Continuing to burn resifil until end of 90 day period. Oat hulls not yet tested - need fuel system modifications. Biomass silo installed but not yet tested. Resifil burning very successful.

Where are we going? Boiler 11 outage October 11. Fuel system modifications are being planned during outage. Need to test oat hulls before biomass permit application can be submitted. Need IDNR conditional approval to make fuel feed system changes to Boiler 11.

Where are we going? Need to extend biomass trial burn period - would like to continue burning biomass throughout permitting process. Will seek Governor’s exemption from PSD.