May 10, 2025

🛑 Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Biomass Pellet Production

Producing high-quality biomass pellets requires precision at every stage. From raw material handling to machine calibration, minor mistakes can lead to poor pellet quality, machine breakdowns, and wasted resources. Here are the top 10 common mistakes you should avoid:



1. Incorrect Raw Material Sizing

  • Ideal size: 3–5 mm
  • Oversized or inconsistent particles lead to uneven compression and poor durability.

2. Using Wet or Over-Dried Material

  • Moisture content should be 10–15%.
  • Too wet causes steam issues; too dry reduces pellet binding.

3. Improper Die Selection

  • Common pellet diameters: 6 mm and 8 mm
  • Using the wrong die type or compression ratio results in inefficient pellet formation.

4. Lack of Pre-Cleaning

  • Dust, sand, or metal fragments can damage die rollers and reduce mill life.

5. Overfeeding the Pellet Mill

  • Causes jamming and high pressure buildup.
  • Use a controlled feeder to regulate material input.

6. Ignoring Machine Calibration

  • Regularly check die-roller clearance, motor load, and temperature sensors.

7. Skipping Conditioning Stage

  • Pre-conditioning softens material and improves pellet quality—especially important for fibrous materials like Napier Grass.

8. No Cooling or Improper Cooling

  • Hot pellets are soft; cooling ensures hardness and reduces breakage.

9. Neglecting Lubrication

  • Bearings and roller systems must be greased regularly to prevent breakdowns.

10. Lack of Quality Control

  • Perform regular lab checks on GCV, ash %, moisture, and durability to maintain output quality.

Pro Tip:

Use properly dewatered, sized (3-5 mm), and moisture-controlled biomass for best pellet results using a 6 mm or 8 mm ring die setup.