The simple, economical and efficient solution for the generation of thermal power

After years of seeking solutions to the problems of traditional biomass combustion, DUCOVA has perfected fluidised bed boiler technology and biomass handling methods which are much more adapted to its client’s needs. After eight years developing and testing, the boiler is now commercialised under the FIRESAND brand.

"We have done away with all stereotypes which paralyse the development of biomass boilers, thereby perfecting our product by also focussing on simplicity, efficiency and savings."

Marc-André Dumais

Sample Biomass Boiler Projects

The FireSand Boiler:

Without any moving parts, a boiler with a combustion base pan comprised of a series of air nozzles buried in a sand bed.
Air pushed trough nozzles creates a path toward the surface of the sand, which in turn makes the sand bed bubble up and twirl while keeping it suspended. This sand bed above the nozzles behaves like a fluid, hence the term “fluidised bed”. In effect, we create a veritable burning sandstorm.
The sand is able to accumulate heat. Just imagine walking on a beach under a bright burning sun. The sand bed stores up the heat and maintains stability in the biomass combustion e bark.
This tempestuous and burning sand acts directly upon the biomass, which gets literally sandblasted. The combustion is intense since the particles get constantly exposed to the process as they get reduced until they are completely destroyed (99 per cent).
Any inert or heavy contaminants, such as pebbles, metal pieces, and the like, sink under the fluidised bed zone, end up under the nozzles are eventually cleared by the sand recycling system: simple; clean; efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does FireSand burn?

The FireSand boiler is designed to burn off reputedly tough, moist and impure solids which conventional grating grate systems have difficulty burning. It burns off BARK and FORESTRY BIOMASS, well-known substances in the industry.

Is FireSand powerful?

Completely shop-assembled units come in sizes ranging from 250 to 1300 HP. Larger units are built in modules and assembled on site.

Conventional boilers are bulky and occupy more space under the same operating conditions. Will an increase in available power be useful? More efficency, more power with faultless combustion! Combustion is, quite simply, more complete because the biomass burns more easily since it is confined in a burning sandstorm!

Does FireSand produce a lot of waste?

Since the combustion is more complete, FireSand produces very little waste. In fact, ash contains virtually no unburned matter. Heavy substances such as rock and metal sink trough the cloud of sand, fall to the bottom, and are cleared out by the sand recycling system: simple, clean and efficient.

Is FireSand reliable and easy to maintain?

Many mechanical processes, which have parts which tend to break or require maintenance, have been eliminated thanks to its simple sand-based operating principle. There are no grates and no moving internal parts: simple, clean and efficient.

Does FireSand pollute?

The facts speak for themselves: we detect 0 PPM of combustibles and less than 50 PPM of CO at the stack. This performance largely exceeds all norms currently in effect and leaves the competition far behind. In short, FireSand is a truly green boiler!

Does FireSand take up a lot of space?

The walls of the combustion chamber contain tubes directly integrated into the boiler, thereby saving space and facilitating temperature control. Moreover, since the combustion principle allows for the use of all the available volume, the combustion chamber is automatically more compact. Consequently, FireSand uses 40 per cent less floor space than conventional boilers.

Actions and Results

Action	FireSand burns the biomass and wet material such as bark. FireSand easily deals with soiled residue including dirt, minerals and others.
Result	Added value by the sale ($) of residue such as sawdust and wood shavings.
Action	FireSand generates more power.
Result	More available heat for process.
Action	FireSand generates more power while using less surface space.
Result	Savings in available floor space.
Action	FireSand is easy to operate and requires less manpower. It produces less residues and disposes of it automatically towards dust tight containers.
Result	Reduction in labour costs. Waste collection is simple and is done without having to stop the unit. You reduce your operating costs.
Action	FireSand pollutes very little and burns better.
Result	Superior combustion, minimal pollution. No more environmental worries!