Market potential of mesquite as fuel

Abstract

The heat combustion of mesquite heartwood, aspwood, bark, and a mixture of stems and leaves was tested. The values averaged 8,657, 8,021, 7,836, and 8,123 Btu per OD pound, respectively. If an industrial plant requiring 50,000 pounds of steam per hour were located in an area averaging 25 green tons of mesquite fiber per acre, a harvest radius of about 3 miles would be required to sustain the plant over a period of 10 years. Based on the costs of owning and operating 20,000 lb./hr. steam generator, the dollar value of preprocessed mesquite to a potential user was estimated to be $16.35 per ton (60% MC), or about $390 per acre of heavily infested land.

Citation

Wiley, A.T.; Manwiller, F.G. 1976. Market potential of mesquite as fuel. Forest Products Journal, Vol. 26(9): 48-51