Hard Shell Fuels Comparison and Calorific Value Table (Hazelnut, Walnut, Almond, Peach, Pistachio)

For industrial facilities, modern agricultural greenhouses, brick and lime factories, and traditional bread/pide ovens, energy costs are the largest expense item. As an alternative to the fluctuating costs of fossil fuels such as coal, fuel-oil and natural gas, domestic hard fruit shells (biomass) offer both an eco-friendly and remarkably high-calorie option.

Technical Comparison Table of Hard Fruit Shells

The table below summarizes the typical field-observed thermal combustion performance of the 5 main hard shell fuels in the Akyel Kayısı portfolio; values can vary by source, harvest year and lot — for exact figures, lot-based laboratory analysis is recommended:

Fuel Type	Calorific Value	Ash Content	Moisture Tolerance	Best Suited Boiler & Combustion System
Hazelnut Shell	High	Low-Medium	Medium	Automatic stoker (auger-fed) boilers, greenhouse heating systems
Walnut Shell	High	Low	Low-Medium	Steam boilers, industrial ovens, for those seeking clean, slag-free combustion
Almond Shell	Medium-High	Medium	Medium-High	Wide-grate solid fuel boilers, briquette and pellet blends
Peach Kernel Shell	High	Low	Low-Medium	Bread/pide ovens seeking deep woody embers, heavy industrial boilers
Pistachio Shell	Medium	Low	Medium	Economical/high-tonnage purchases; industrial ovens, feedlot facilities

Which Shell Is More Suitable for Your Business?

1. For Automatic-Feed (Stoker) Greenhouses: Hazelnut and Sieved Walnut Shell

In greenhouse boilers with auger-screw automatic feeding systems, the flowability of the fuel is very important. Thanks to its natural half-shell form, hazelnut shell flows easily through auger tubes and feeds regularly into the combustion chamber.

2. For Maximum Ember and Long-Lasting Heat: Peach Kernel Shell

For businesses seeking a deep, long-lasting ember, Peach Kernel Shell is one of the standout options. Especially in stone ovens and industrial boilers requiring stable steam pressure that doesn’t die down for hours, it gives off heat for hours thanks to its high density.

3. For a Slag-Free, Clean Grate: Walnut Shell

For facilities looking to save on boiler maintenance and ash-cleaning labour, Walnut Shell reduces how often the grate needs cleaning thanks to its low ash residue.

4. For High-Tonnage, Cost-Focused Purchases: Pistachio Shell

Even though its calorific value is somewhat lower than the other shells, Pistachio Shell is a preferred economical option for high-tonnage, cost-focused purchases thanks to its price advantage.

Akyel Kayısı Logistics Assurance

We provide regular biomass fuel shipments year-round, with bulk truckloads or 1-tonne Big-Bag sacks, from contracted crushing facilities across Turkey, backed by a broad supply network. You can consult our expert team to determine the shell type best suited to your boiler structure and to get an up-to-date ton price including freight.