May 4, 2025

🌿 Can You Make High-Efficiency Biomass Pellets Using Just Napier Grass and Coconut Shell?

Creating biomass pellets using only Napier Grass (75%) and Coconut Shell (25%) is not only possible — it’s also efficient when processed correctly. This blend offers a balance between ease of pelletization, good energy output, and moderate ash content.



🔬 Estimated Properties of Napier Grass (75%) + Coconut Shell (25%) Pellet

PropertyValue RangeNotes
Ash Content (%)6.5 – 7.5%Napier (5–8%), Coconut Shell (1.5–2%)
GCV (kcal/kg)4200 – 4400High calorific output with clean burn
Carbon Content (%)45 – 48%Enhanced by coconut shell’s lignin-rich structure
Volatile Matter (%)68 – 72%From Napier – helps ignition
Density (kg/m³)650 – 700Ideal for transport and storage
Pellet DurabilityGoodCoconut Shell adds mechanical strength
Moisture Feed Limit12–15%Final pellet should be <10% moisture

Why This Blend Works

  • Napier Grass: Excellent binder, high volatile content.
  • Coconut Shell: Improves energy value and pellet hardness, reduces ash.

🔁 Optional Optimization – Two-Ingredient Tweak

For better results:

  • Napier Grass: 65–70%
  • Coconut Shell: 30–35%

Improved Results:

  • Ash Content ↓ to ~6%
  • GCV ↑ to ~4500 kcal/kg
  • Durability ↑ for industrial usage

⚙️ Essential Equipment

  • Dewatering Screw Press (for wet Napier)
  • Flash or Rotary Dryer
  • Hammer Mill (<3 mm screen)
  • Ribbon Mixer
  • Ring Die Pellet Mill (1:6 to 1:8 ratio)
  • Counterflow Cooler

💡 Best Practices

  • Uniform grinding (<3 mm)
  • Consistent moisture (12–15%)
  • Final moisture <10%
  • Use clean, sorted coconut shell (no husk)

🔥 Optimized Mix-Match Suggestions (if using 3 materials)

🔹 Option 1 (High Efficiency)

  • Napier Grass: 60%
  • Coconut Shell: 20%
  • Wood Sawdust: 20%
    👉 GCV ↑ 4400–4600 kcal/kg | Ash ↓ 5.5–6%

🔹 Option 2 (Budget Friendly)

  • Napier Grass: 70%
  • Coconut Shell: 20%
  • Groundnut Shell/Corncob: 10%
    👉 Balanced cost | Ash ~6.5% | GCV ~4400 kcal/kg