Biomass Pellet

Biomass Pellet

The process of Pelletizing is the physical transformation of the loose raw material into a compactly compressed unit. The form change results in a much higher specific density of the material which increases its combustion efficiency as compared to the loose material. Depending upon the type of waste binder may be added.

Since biomass fuel pellets is a alternate source of energy its demand arises from shortage of conventional fuels and their escalating prices. Not only biomass fuel pellets are economical, convenient to use but being carbon neutral its use generates CER’s. Major thrust market area for fuel pellets are power generation companies, textile industries, food processing industries, pellet burner users and many more industries which uses boilers.

Product

• High Calorific Value ranging between 3500-5000 kcal/kg depending on material.
• Low Ash Content of 10-15 % as compared to 20-40 % in coal.
• Non-Polluting as it does not emit any sulfur phosphorus & Nitrogen Oxide fumes and fly ash, eliminating the need for expensive pollution control equipment.
• Efficient as the fuel is ideally sized in 10-22 mm in dia and 25 to 50 mm in length.
• Production capacity: 1.5 - 2 ton/hr with semiautomatic mechanical press machine.

Variety of Biomass availability in India

• Straws: Rice, Wheat, Jowar, Millet, Ragi, Barley, Gram, Khesri etc.
• Stalks: Arhar, Bajra, Castor, Cotton, Jute, Maize, Mustard, Sunflower etc.
• Spent Cobs: Corn, Maize, Bajra, Ragi etc.
• Others: Cane tops, Cane trash, Tea Plant wastes, Wood waste, Leaves, Needles and Husk etc.

Manufacturing Process

• Waste materials are tested for their chemical composition to decide on their suitability and to select a proper mix.
• Sun dried materials containing approx. 10-15 % moisture is suitable for pelletizing. However if material has higher moisture content it needs to be dried before use.
• Material is screened, chopped and ground to get the desired size and bulk density is pneumatically transported into storage bins. This helps in separation of the heavier & metallic particles and also unifying the moisture content in the material. Air used is hot or wet as the case may be, for control of moisture.
• Material from bin is discharged to the pelletizing machine through extraction and conditioning screw. Process does not require any binder or steam. Pelletizing is achieved at very low speed of pelletizing.
• Pellets are cooled by pellet cooler or ambient air and packed in loose form or bags.