Wood pellets are a fuel and energy source that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The pellets are held together with lignin—the polymer responsible for creating strong cell walls in plants.
Being exclusively held together by lignin makes these pellets fragile, a characteristic that dictates how pellets must be handled during production. These are the types of conveyors used during pellet production.
Bucket Elevators
Bucket elevators that use gravity to discharge the pellets work well, as they can handle the pellets gently enough not to crush them. Centrifugal bucket elevators are too rough and damage the pellets as they are flung against the hood.
Incline Conveyors
Incline conveyors can be used to move pellets between two levels. This is a better option than belt conveyors when you need to sharply increase elevation; with a belt conveyor, you would need to use a significantly longer conveyor to prevent the pellets from rolling down the conveyor.
However, an incline conveyor can move the pellets much more efficiently. Inclined conveyors with cleats work best. These bucket-shaped cleats hold the pellets in place as they are moved up the conveyor at a much sharper angle of incline than would ordinarily be possible.
Belt Conveyors
Belt conveyors are an excellent option for gently handling pellets, which is why manufacturers often choose them. If you’re in the market for an industrial conveyor system that will efficiently handle your wood pellets without damaging them, belt conveyors are an excellent choice.
These are a few of the types of conveyors commonly used in pellet production. Redline Systems proudly provides top-quality, durable conveyor systems to manufacturers in all kinds of industries. If you have any questions or would like more information about our conveyor systems, our knowledgeable team would be happy to assist you in your search for your next conveyor.