Wood Pellet

The process of manufacturing fuel pellets involves placing ground biomass under high pressure and forcing it through a round opening called a "die." When exposed to the appropriate conditions, the biomass "fuses" together, forming a solid mass. This process is known as "extrusion." Some biomass (primarily wood) naturally forms high-quality fuel pellets, while other types of biomass may need additives to serve as a "binder" that holds the pellet together.

However, the creation of the pellets is only a small step in the overall process of manufacturing fuel pellets. These steps involve feedstock grinding, moisture control, extrusion, cooling, and packaging. Each step must be carried out with care if the final product is to be of acceptable quality.

Pellet manufacture requires quite a bit of energy, both for drying damp feedstock and for running the various pieces of machinery. Large plants typically burn a portion of their feedstock to provide heat for drying, whereas smaller facilities often use other means. As a rule of thumb, a pelletizer requires between 50 and 100 kilowatts of electrical demand for every ton per hour of production capacity. In addition, electricity is usually needed to operate any chopping, grinding, drying, cooling, and bagging equipment that is in use. If a reliable source of electricity is not available, gasoline or diesel-based equipment is available.

Two other important factors to consider when deciding whether to manufacture pellets are the availability of feedstock and the availability of a market. If you are producing pellets for your own personal use from biomass grown on your own farm, this is relatively easy to assess. However, if you are considering pellet making as a business, it is vitally important to identify and secure a steady supply of biomass for your needs. Sawdust and other waste products are not always easy to obtain, and in some areas are simply not available at all. The market for fuel pellets is also an important consideration. Biomass pellets from grass or crop residue tend to be less marketable as a heating fuel than wood pellets, due to their higher ash content and lower energy content. Thus, non-energy markets may ultimately be more attractive for pellets made from grass. Not only will you need to find a customer for your product, you must also take into account that most users of fuel pellets only need supply during the winter months. However, it is valuable to note that your investment in pellet equipment will be more likely to pay off if you are able to operate the facility for a large fraction of the year. Constant operation may be necessary if you are to recoup your investment in equipment and operate in a financially viable manner.