Pellet quality is always the concern of the end pellet users. As a pellet manufacture, do you know what factors attribute your pellet quality? Generally speaking, the composition of your raw materials, the binding agent used in the pelletizing process, the conditions of the feed stocks and the pellet machine conditions will significantly influence your pellet quality. However, how to evaluate your pellet quality? What factors attribute your pellet quality? Let us talk these factors one by one.
1.Raw Material Quality
The quality of the raw materials used to make pellets is crucial. Factors such as moisture content, particle size, density, and chemical composition can significantly impact pellet quality. Using high-quality raw materials with consistent characteristics can result in better-quality pellets.
2.Die Design and Condition
The design of the pellet die and its condition play a crucial role in pellet quality. The die determines the shape and size of the pellets, as well as the compression and extrusion processes. Factors such as die thickness, hole diameter, hole arrangement, and surface finish can affect pellet density, durability, and uniformity.
3.Machine Parameters
Various parameters of the pellet machine, such as compression ratio, die speed, temperature, and pressure, can influence pellet quality. Optimal machine settings ensure proper pellet formation, density, and moisture content. Adjusting these parameters according to the characteristics of the raw materials can improve pellet quality.
4.Moisture Content and Conditioning
Proper moisture content is essential for pellet formation and quality. Both too high and too low moisture levels can adversely affect pellet density, durability, and uniformity. Conditioning the raw materials by adding steam or water can help achieve the ideal moisture content for pellet production.
5.Fines percentage
The fines are produced by the broken pellets caused by frictions during transporting and storing. It is simple to understand that the less of the fines or dusts are, the better of the pellet quality is . The bad quality pellets intend to produce more fines which are endanger the burning equipment, by increasing the chance of dust explosion and other combustion problems. According to Shanke et al’s study, the storage temperature will affect the quality of the pellets and the higher storage temperature at around 30 to 50℃ will increase the fines percentage during two months storage time by more than 1 %.
By paying attention to these factors and optimizing them accordingly, pellet manufacturers can produce high-quality pellets that meet the requirements of their customers.