Both ring die pellet mills and briquette machines produce fuel sources from compressed biomass materials, but they differ in the final product and the production process.
Product: Produces cylindrical pellets, typically 6-12 mm in diameter and a few centimeters long.
Process: Biomass material is fed into the mill, crushed by rollers against a rotating ring die with holes. The compressed material is forced through the holes, forming pellets as they are cut by knives.
Briquette Machines:
Product: Produces denser, block-shaped briquettes of various shapes (rectangular, oval, hexagonal) and sizes (larger than pellets).
Process: Biomass material is compressed with high pressure using a screw press, piston press, or hydraulic press. Binders like starch or molasses might be added for better cohesion.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
Feature
Ring Die Pellet Mill
Briquette Machine
Product
Cylindrical pellets
Block-shaped briquettes
Size
6-12 mm diameter, few cm long
Varies depending on the machine
Density
Less dense
Denser
Process
Uses rollers and a ring die
Uses high-pressure press
Binder
Usually no binder
May use binders for better cohesion
Applications
Industrial boilers, home heating systems, animal bedding
Home heating systems, fireplaces
Choosing Between Ring Die Pellet Mill and Briquettes:
Size and Burning Characteristics: Pellets burn faster due to their smaller size and higher surface area. Briquettes burn slower due to their larger size and denser form.
Application: Pellets are ideal for automatic feeding systems in boilers. Briquettes might be preferred for home fireplaces due to their longer burning time and aesthetics.
Production Cost: Pellet mills can be more expensive than briquette machines, but pellet production might be more efficient depending on the raw material.
Overall:
Both ring die pellet mills and briquettes offer advantages for utilizing biomass as a fuel source. The best choice depends on the desired product characteristics, application, and production considerations.