Learn how to design complete filtration systems for biomass: solutions, regulations, and technologies presented at the Tama Aernova workshop.

Filtration plants for biomass: technologies and future challenges

In May 2025, Tama Aernova hosted the technical workshop “Emission Abatement Systems and Technologies in Biomass Plants,” a key industry event that brought together engineers, plant designers, and technology partners. The focus? Exploring the latest solutions for complete filtration systems, integrated plant design, and advanced emission control technologies for biomass combustion processes.

The objective of the workshop was clear: to deliver a practical and up-to-date overview of both regulatory requirements and available technologies for reducing particulate, gas, and odor emissions from biomass-fired plants, from small systems to complex industrial setups.

 

Integrated design: combustion and filtration, an inseparable pair

A key highlight of the workshop was the technical and operational synergy between combustion plant engineers and emission abatement system designers. These are not two separate systems, but one integrated solution that must be conceived as a whole from the design phase.

“There can be no effective filtration without optimized combustion, and vice versa.”
— Alessandro Pangrazzi, Sales Manager, Tama Aernova

This principle shaped the core message of the event: only through early-stage collaboration—sharing data, technical constraints, and performance goals—can companies move beyond generic, one-size-fits-all systems.

The result? Truly customized, high-efficiency, and sustainable biomass filtration systems, capable of adapting to diverse operational conditions while ensuring full regulatory compliance.

Biomass: why a preliminary analysis is needed

The nature of biomass is highly variable. That is why, before plant design, it is essential to conduct specific technical analyses on:

• Biomass origin (woody, agricultural, industrial waste)
• Residual moisture, which impacts combustion efficiency
• Chemical composition, which determines dustiness at different operating stages-and contaminants
• Behavior on the combustion grid

Environmental regulations: it is no longer enough to “be compliant”

During the workshop, it became evident that the European and national regulatory framework for biomass emissions is becoming increasingly stringent. This shift highlights three key takeaways for industry professionals:

• Retrofitting old plants is no longer enough
• New filtration systems must be designed with future regulations in mind
• A proactive approach and long-term strategic vision are now essential

Regulatory compliance is not just a box to check—it must be integrated into the very foundation of plant design and engineering.

 

Filtration technologies: which to choose and why

The workshop's technical session provided a detailed comparison of current filtration technologies for biomass plants, revealing clear strengths and limitations:

• High-temperature bag filters: reliable and versatile, even in harsh conditions and with fine particulate matter.
• Metal cartridge filters: compact and space-saving, but less effective when dealing with sticky or resinous dusts.
• Electrostatic filters: large and complex, often unsuitable for the fluctuating particle profiles typical of biomass combustion.

One key message emerged: the cyclone alone is no longer sufficient. With plants becoming more complex and feedstocks more heterogeneous, traditional filtration setups quickly reach their limits.

Moving beyond retrofitting: a new plant vision

The final takeaway from the workshop was unmistakable: the industry needs a shift in mindset. Biomass filtration plants must no longer be designed simply to “comply” or “adapt”—they must be engineered to evolve.

This means accounting for:

• the entire operating cycle
• ongoing maintenance requirements
• and long-term environmental sustainability

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