Laitex, a global expert in bulk material handling, has secured an order from Sumitomo SHI FW (SFW) to supply biomass material handling systems for QEMETICA’s boiler conversion project in Inowrocław, Poland. The project will convert an existing coal-fired boiler into a biomass-fired boiler at QEMETICA’s soda plant.
The boiler conversion project is being carried out by a consortium consisting of Sumitomo SHI FW and Mostostal Zabrze Realizacje Przemysłowe. The consortium is responsible for the design, construction, and commissioning of the facility.
For Laitex, the delivery covers key parts of the biomass handling infrastructure needed to receive, process, store, and convey biomass at the plant. The system will handle biomass arriving by both truck and rail and deliver the fuel through the handling process to the fuel day silos.
“This project strengthens our cooperation with Sumitomo SHI FW and demonstrates our capability to deliver comprehensive biomass handling solutions for demanding industrial conversion projects. Reliable fuel handling is an essential part of a successful transition from coal to biomass, and we are pleased to contribute our material handling expertise to this project,” says Lasse Kurronen, CEO at Laitex.
The scope includes:
Biomass receiving hub: Biomass receiving hub for truck and rail transport
Screening system: Two parallel screening stations with automatic sampling systems in order to ensure fuel quality by removing oversize particles and metals
Biomass storage: Roofs and accessories for two concrete biomass silos with screw reclaimers
Fuel feeding system: Conveyor system to deliver biomass to the fuel day silos
The biomass handling infrastructure forms an integral part of the overall boiler conversion. According to Sumitomo SHI FW, the complete project includes facilities for biomass unloading, screening, storage, feeding, and conveying to the boiler.
“This is exactly the type of project where reliable material flow plays a critical role in the performance of the entire plant. Biomass needs to move efficiently from receiving through screening and storage to the fuel feeding process. Our scope connects these different stages into a functional material handling system,” says Oskar Tjeder, Sales Manager at Laitex.
The project further strengthens Laitex’s experience in biomass and solid fuel handling for demanding energy and process industry applications. With receiving, screening, storage-related equipment, and conveying included in the same delivery, Laitex supports reliable material flow throughout the fuel handling process.
Keeping the promise Flow Must Go On.
About the project
QEMETICA is converting an existing coal-fired boiler at its combined heat and power plant in Inowrocław, Poland, to operate on biomass. The primary fuel will be wood chips.
According to Sumitomo SHI FW, the conversion is expected to reduce QEMETICA’s coal consumption by approximately 100,000 metric tons per year and CO₂ emissions by approximately 200,000 metric tons per year. The boiler is scheduled to be commissioned in the second half of 2028.