Safe pellet storage: How to protect yourself from CO dangers!

Safe pellet storage: How to protect yourself from CO dangers!

The demand for pellets for heating systems is constantly growing, due to the increasing popularity of this sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source. Wood pellets also require comparatively little storage space, making them an attractive choice for many households and businesses. Loud ecoNews Bag silos, which are designed as a closed and space-saving storage system, are particularly popular. Alternatively, many users use individually built storage rooms.

Safety when storing pellets is an important issue because, as with all energy sources, safety standards must be adhered to. Small amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) can be produced during storage. However, these are harmless if the warehouse is properly planned and ventilated. Doris Stiksl, Managing Director of proPellets Austria, highlights the innovative leadership of Austrian companies in the areas of boiler technology and storage systems.

Safe storage of pellets

To ensure safety during storage, there are some basic tips to keep in mind. The planning must be carried out in accordance with the ISO standard 20023 and take into account aspects such as statics, fire protection, ventilation and accessibility for delivery trucks. There should also be enough space in the storage room for a year's supply of pellets. Continuous air circulation is necessary to avoid CO accumulation. In the first two to three weeks after filling, an increased CO concentration may occur, so good ventilation of the warehouse is essential to prevent accumulation of carbon monoxide, such as proPellets emphasized.

When building a warehouse yourself, the same standards and regulations should be adhered to. A vented filler cap is sufficient for private and smaller commercial heating systems. It is recommended to install a CO meter in the room in front of the warehouse to ensure safe monitoring. These devices detect CO accumulation from storage, allowing potential hazards to be identified at an early stage.

Regulations and requirements for storage rooms

The storage of pellets is subject to specific regulations defined by legal regulations. The Model Firing Ordinance (M-FeuVO) regulates the requirements and varies depending on the federal state. For warehouses up to 6.5 tons, there are no special requirements for walls, ceilings or doors as long as the boiler's rated heat output is below 50 kW. However, if more than 6.5 tons are stored, stricter requirements must be met. These include fire-resistant walls and self-closing doors, such as Energy experts report.

To ensure the safety and efficiency of pellet storage, it is crucial to be careful when planning and selecting the storage system. This is the only way to ensure that wood pellets and the corresponding storage facilities can be operated safely and safely.