Keep the Pellet Machine in Top Condition
Maintaining your ring die pellet machine is crucial for efficient production and longevity. Regular cleaning of residual materials inside the die cavity ensures a clean working environment for your pellets. Before every shift, lubricate the eccentric shafts of the two rollers with lithium-based No. 2 grease to maintain optimal lubrication. Frequently inspect the gap between the roller and the inner wall of the ring die to ensure it meets the specifications outlined in the manual. Check the tension of the V-belts to avoid slippage and adjust as necessary. Keep the exterior of the machine clean from dust and debris to minimize environmental contamination of the feed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. No Pellet Production: This issue might arise from clogged discharge holes due to rust. Use a drill matching the hole diameter to clear blockages. Wet powder can also hinder discharge; adjust the moisture content accordingly. Improper gap between the roller and die can be fixed by resetting the gap to 0.15mm. Check and replace damaged roller bearings if necessary.
2. Low Pellet Formation Rate: A low moisture content in the material can lead to poor pellet formation. Increase the water content of the powder to improve the rate.
3. Rough Pellet Surface: This can be due to excessive moisture; reducing the material’s moisture content can help. For new dies, adding oil and performing cyclic extrusion for conditioning can smooth out the interior surface to the desired roughness.
4. Low Production Output: Insufficient feed material, overly large gap between the die and roller, damaged roller bearings, or blockages within the die can reduce output. Adjusting feed rates, the gap (to 0.15mm), replacing bearings, and clearing blockages can resolve these issues. New dies may also temporarily produce less until they are properly conditioned.
5. Sudden Machine Stoppage: Check for blown fuses and replace as necessary. Overfeeding or foreign objects in the feed can cause stoppages. Reduce feed rate or clear the die cavity of foreign materials to restart operations.
6. Unusual Equipment Noise: Foreign objects in the die, loose bearings, or other loose parts can cause noise. Shut down the machine to remove any foreign materials, replace bearings, or tighten any loose components. Lack of grease in the belt pulley system can also cause noise, which can be mitigated by applying lithium-based No. 2 grease.
7. Overheating Motor: Overloading or high ambient temperatures can cause the motor to overheat. Adjust feed rates to reduce machine load and allow the motor to cool down, especially in hot conditions. Improving ventilation around the motor can also help reduce temperature.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance and prompt troubleshooting are key to ensuring your ring die pellet machine operates efficiently and lasts longer. By following these guidelines, you can prevent common issues and maintain a high-quality production process. Always refer to your machine’s manual for specific maintenance procedures and troubleshooting tips to keep your equipment in prime condition.