This type of equipment compresses powdered materials, such as biomass, animal feed, or wood shavings, into small, cylindrical pellets using a flat, circular die. Raw materials are fed into a conditioning chamber and then pressed through the die by rollers. The resulting pellets offer a consistent size and density, crucial for efficient combustion, storage, and transportation. An example application is creating fuel pellets from sawdust for wood-burning stoves.
The affordability and relative simplicity of this technology make it a popular choice for small to medium-scale operations. Pelleting offers several advantages, including increased energy density, reduced dust, and improved handling characteristics compared to loose feedstock. Historically, this technology has evolved from simpler presses to more sophisticated machines incorporating features like steam conditioning and automated control systems, reflecting a growing demand for efficient and sustainable resource utilization.