How to adjust the moisture when the wood pellet machine is pelletizing?

May 20, 2022 Leave a message

It's a common misconception for customers to ask about adjusting the water during the sawdust pellet machine granulation process. They may wonder how much water to add and assume it's necessary to transform wood chips or other powders into pellets. However, this is not the case. Adding water isn't required, and it's important to understand this fact.

 


When it comes to making wood pellets, there is no requirement to add water to the production process. Instead, the moisture level of the pellets is maintained by controlling the moisture content of the wood raw materials. It is essential to ensure that the wood has a moisture level between 8-12% before production. This criteria must be met to produce high-quality pellets. Adding water during production can impact the molding process of the pellets, leading to substandard quality. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the moisture levels of the raw material to guarantee the best results.

 


Just envision a scenario where the raw material fails to satisfy the necessary water content prerequisite beforehand, and hastily pouring water during the granulation process. Is it even possible to guarantee the moisture level of the raw material throughout the entire granulation phase? Overly excessive watering impedes granule formation by causing them to break and loosen. Conversely, if water is inadequately added, it hinders the formation of granules. This is because dry raw materials result in weaker adhesion, making it harder for them to be compressed together. Therefore, it's vital not to add water recklessly during the granulation process as controlling the moisture level of the raw materials is of paramount importance.

 


Determining the moisture content of raw materials can be done through several methods. To accurately judge the moisture content, one can take the following steps. First, obtain a representative sample of the raw material. Ensure that the sample is a good representation of the overall material. Next, weigh the sample and record its initial weight. Then, place the sample in an oven or a moisture analyzer and apply heat at a specified temperature for a specific duration. After the allocated time, remove the sample from the oven or moisture analyzer and quickly weigh it again. The weight loss between the initial and final measurements represents the moisture content of the raw material. This method allows for an efficient assessment of the moisture content, aiding in quality control and appropriate storage of the raw materials.

 


The moisture content of sawdust can be determined by its tactile properties, as human hands are highly sensitive to moisture. To assess the moisture content, you can take a handful of sawdust and try to shape it into a ball. The sawdust should feel slightly damp and cool, without any water dripping. Additionally, when you loosen the sawdust, it should naturally separate without clumping. This type of moisture level is ideal for producing high-quality granules.

 


To guarantee confident granulation, it's essential to use a professional moisture measuring instrument. By inserting the instrument into the raw material, a reading of 8-12% indicates appropriate moisture levels and allows for worry-free granulation.