Loose and Fragile Pellets? 90% of Customers Overlook This Critical Issue

Many customers encounter the problem of loose, fragile pellets when using biomass pellet machines or feed pellet machines. At first glance, the pellets seem to be well-formed, but once picked up, they often become brittle and difficult to stack or transport. This issue is not caused by equipment failure, but rather by neglecting some key details during the production process.

Today, we will explore how to avoid this common pitfall and ensure that the pellets are firmly formed and of stable quality.

1. Control the Moisture Content of Raw Materials for Optimal Balance

The moisture content directly impacts the formation and hardness of the pellets. Excessive moisture causes instability inside the pellets, making them prone to cracking during cooling, while insufficient moisture results in poor bonding, causing the pellets to become loose and fragile. Therefore, controlling the moisture content is the first step in solving the issue of loose pellets.

• Biomass Pellets: The ideal moisture content is between 10%-15%. If the moisture is too high or too low, it can affect the pellet compression process.

• Feed Pellets: The moisture content should ideally be between 13%-16%, especially for raw materials with higher fiber content, where moisture control is crucial.

Regularly use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the raw materials, avoiding judgment based on experience. Precise control of moisture can effectively prevent the problem of loose pellets.

2. Adjust Raw Material Formulation and Grinding Fineness

The formulation and grinding fineness of the raw materials directly influence the density and hardness of the pellets. Biomass and feed pellet raw materials often contain fibers of varying lengths, and uneven grinding leads to poor pellet compression, resulting in loose finished pellets.

• Biomass Pellets: It is recommended to grind the raw materials to 4-6mm to improve pellet compression.

• Feed Pellets: Appropriate additions of binders, oils, etc., can enhance the hardness and durability of the pellets.

By adjusting the formulation and grinding fineness of the raw materials, pellet quality can be greatly improved, and the occurrence of loose pellets can be avoided.

3. Regularly Check the Wear of the Die and Rollers

The die and rollers are core components of the pellet machine. Over time, wear and tear can occur, and uneven wear leads to unstable pellet formation, or even breakage. Therefore, regular inspection of the die and rollers is essential.

• Check the smoothness of the die holes to ensure they are free from blockages or excessive wear.

• Ensure the gap between the rollers and the die is within a reasonable range (usually 0.1-0.3mm) to avoid excessive gaps that could lead to loose pellets.

• Regularly maintain and replace severely worn components to effectively prevent pellet breakage.

By focusing on these details, equipment stability can be maintained, and pellet quality can be ensured.

4. Don't Ignore the Cooling Process

After the pellets are pressed by the pellet machine, their temperature is high. Improper cooling can lead to pellets that are hard on the outside but soft on the inside, making them prone to cracking. Inadequate cooling or uneven moisture distribution during the cooling process also affects the durability and transport stability of the pellets.

• Ensure that the cooling air flow and temperature are adjustable, and reduce the pellet temperature to near room temperature during cooling.

• Make sure the pellets are cooled to below 5°C before packaging to prevent moisture from affecting pellet stability.

Accurately controlling the cooling process not only improves pellet strength but also ensures that their quality is not affected by external conditions.

5. Details in Operation Determine Pellet Quality

In the operation of a pellet machine, details make the difference. Uneven feeding, frequent speed adjustments, etc., can cause unstable pellet density, thus affecting the finished product quality. Additionally, variations in raw material batches can lead to inconsistencies in pellet hardness.

• Maintain a stable feeding speed to avoid fluctuations in feeding and ensure uniform distribution of raw materials.

• Adjust machine parameters based on different batches of raw materials to ensure the pellets are neither too loose nor too hard.

Good operational habits are key to ensuring pellet quality. Careful operation can effectively avoid the problem of loose pellets.

Conclusion

The issue of loose and fragile pellets may seem simple, but it actually involves multiple stages of the production process. By precisely controlling raw material moisture, adjusting formulations and grinding fineness, regularly checking equipment, ensuring proper cooling, and focusing on detailed operations, this issue can be effectively solved, resulting in strong and durable pellets.

Mastering these key processes not only improves the efficiency of the pellet machine but also helps win the trust and satisfaction of more customers in the market. By continuously optimizing the production process, you will be able to produce higher-quality, more stable pellets.