In the field of wood processing, Ferotec has established itself as a true expert in wood pelletizing. Thanks to its advanced technical expertise and constant capacity for innovation, the company is a key partner for industries seeking sustainable, high-performance solutions.
What is wood pelleting?
Wood pelletization is an industrial process that transforms wood residues into homogeneous, dense pellets, mainly used as a renewable energy source. The process comprises several key stages:
- Raw material preparation: Wood residues such as sawdust and shavings are collected and sorted.
- Drying: Raw materials are dried to an optimum moisture content, generally below 10%, to ensure efficient pellet combustion.
- Grinding: Dried materials are ground into fine particles to facilitate compression.
- Granulation: particles are compressed through high-precision dies to form cylindrical pellets.
- Cooling and packaging: The granules are cooled and then packaged in bags or bulk for distribution.
Spinnerets play a crucial role in the pelletizing phase, determining the quality and density of the pellets produced.
The environmental benefits of wood pelleting
Wood pellets represent an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Wood pellets are considered a renewable, CO₂-neutral energy source. In fact, the carbon released during their combustion corresponds to that absorbed by the tree during its growth, creating an almost neutral carbon cycle.
- Renewable energy: wood pellets offer a sustainable solution for heating and energy production.
- Waste valorization: The pelletizing process transforms wood residues into a high value-added product.
- Reduced carbon footprint: By using wood pellets, users contribute to reducing their environmental impact.
Focus on the wood-specific drilling profile
The drilling profile is a key feature in wood pelletizing processes, playing an essential role in the quality and efficiency of the pellets produced. Several aspects can be adapted: inlet cone, conical or cylindrical counterbore profile and percentage of open surface.
For pelletizing abrasive products such as wood, the conical counterbore optimizes compression and particle flow through the die, meeting the growing demands of the wood-processing industry.
The advantages of the conical profile in wood pelletizing
1. The main advantage of this profile is that it preserves the compression ratio
The compression ratio is the result of the compression length over the channel diameter. The passage of product through the channel widens the compression channel, reducing the compression ratio and thus the quality of the pellet.
To slow the decline in compression ratio, the tapered profile extends the compression length. Although the loss of quality is inexorable, it is slowed down…
2. Uniform compression and pellet homogeneity:
The conical shape allows a gradual transition of the wood particles in the die, guaranteeing constant pellet density. This improves their quality and performance in heating systems and other applications.
3. Reducing mechanical stress:
The tapered profile reduces internal friction. As a result, equipment wear is reduced. Dies last longer, reducing production downtime and cutting maintenance costs.
4. Energy efficiency
The conical profile optimizes the flow of raw materials, reducing the energy required to compress them. This translates into more environmentally-friendly production and significant savings in energy consumption.
5. Adaptability
This type of drilling is suitable for a wide range of materials, including fine sawdust, shavings and other wood residues. This flexibility makes the tapered profile indispensable for meeting the varied needs of the industry.
Ferotec’s added value: technical expertise and innovation
Ferotec goes beyond the simple role of manufacturer, offering complete solutions tailored to the specific needs of its customers. Here’s what sets the company apart:
- Advanced technology: Ferotec masters state-of-the-art processes and offers various solutions to improve product flow through the die, reduce die wear and ensure consistent pellet quality.
- Customization: Each die is designed to meet customers’ exact requirements, whether in terms of production volumes or specific pellet characteristics.
- Durability and performance: robust, durable materials ensure long die life and optimized performance.
Why choose Ferotec dies for your wood pelleting needs?
- Proven expertise: With many years of experience, Ferotec has earned recognition and respect as a major player in the industry.
- French quality products: All dies are designed and manufactured in France to the highest standards.
- Personalized support: Ferotec works closely with its customers to design solutions tailored to their specific needs.
- Constant innovation: Ferotec continually invests in research and development to improve its products and respond to market trends.
Discover our innovative solutions
Ferotec will be exhibiting at Bio360 on February 5 and 6. This is a unique opportunity to meet our experts, discover our latest innovations and explore trends in the wood pelleting sector.
We’ll also be holding an open house on our premises from February 4 to 7. You can visit our facilities, watch technical demonstrations and talk to our team. These events are the ideal opportunity to discover how Ferotec puts its expertise to work on your projects.
For more information, please contact us or visit our website. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our passion for innovation in wood pelleting.
