Conversion of Higher Heating Values to Lower Heating Values for Various Fuels Used in the FPI (FS-25-01)

This NCASI fact sheet provides conversion factors for calculating lower heating values (LHV) from higher heating values (HHV) for fuels commonly used in forest products industry operations.

The document presents a comprehensive table with LHV/HHV ratios for thirteen fuel types relevant to Member Companies, including coal grades (0.91-0.98), petroleum products (0.90-0.94), and biomass fuels specific to the forest products industry: bark (0.83), dry wood residues (0.93), wood chips/screenings (0.82), and black liquor (0.85-0.89).

The conversion methodology accounts for water production during combustion, with the fundamental formula: HHV = LHV + n ΔĤ_v (H₂O, 25°C). A detailed calculation example demonstrates the process using wet Douglas fir bark.

This technical resource enables Member Companies to accurately convert between heating value measurements for energy balance calculations, combustion system design, and regulatory compliance reporting across different fuel sources utilized in forest products manufacturing operations.

Keywords: lower heat value, higher heat value, bark, coal, oil, gs, black liquor

Contact: Arun Someshwar, PhD, NCASI Fellow