Make your own pellets is an economical and ecological solution for heating or powering certain equipment. In this article, we will explain to you how to make your wood, grass or bark pellets by following a few simple steps.
Step 1: Choose the raw material
The first step in making your pellets is to choose the raw material. Here are some options:
- Drink : wood pellets are the most common and often come from sawmill waste (shavings, sawdust, etc.). It is recommended to use softwood for better calorific value.
- Grass : it is also possible to make pellets from dried herbs. This can be a good solution if you have a large grassy area.
- Bark : Tree bark can also be used as a material for making pellets. Be careful, however, to dry it well before use.
Select the right equipment
To transform these materials into pellets, it is necessary to have a crusher and a pellet press. The crusher will reduce the size of chips and other waste, while the press will compress and shape the pellets.
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Step 2: Grind the raw material
Before grinding the materials, be sure to dry them thoroughly. Indeed, too high a humidity level could harm the quality of the pellets. Once the raw material is ready, you can proceed to grinding:
- Introduce the waste (sawdust, shavings, grass or bark) into the shredder.
- Operate the device until you obtain a homogeneous texture that is fine enough to be compressed.
- Collect the crushed material and store it in a dry place.
Tip for improving the quality of the ground material
To optimize the quality of the pellets, it is recommended to add a natural binder to the raw material during grinding. This binder may be starch or another organic compound making it possible to improve the cohesion of the granules.
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Step 3: Compress and shape the pellets
The third step consists of using the pellet press to compress the crushed material and give it its final shape:
- Start the pellet press and gradually introduce the crushed material.
- The press will ensure the compression and shaping of the granules.
- Collect the pellets coming out of the machine and let them cool in the open air before storing them.
Choosing the right pellet size
The size of the pellets influences their calorific value and their compatibility with your equipment. It is therefore important to choose a suitable size:
- 6mm : this is the standard size of wood pellets, which fits the majority of pellet stoves and boilers.
- 8mm : this size is less common, but offers better performance for certain specific equipment.
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Step 4: Store and use the pellets
Once the pellets are made, you must store them in a dry and ventilated place to prevent them from deteriorating. For this you can use plastic bags or airtight containers. Also remember to regularly check the condition of your pellets before using them.
Finding the right equipment to use pellets
To get the most out of your homemade pellets, it is essential to have suitable equipment:
- Pellet stoves : these devices are specially designed to burn wood pellets and offer high efficiency.
- Pellet boilers : they work on the same principle as stoves, but allow the entire home to be heated using a central heating system.
By following these steps, you will be able to make your own pellets from various materials. Do not hesitate to experiment with different raw materials and techniques in order to optimize the quality and effectiveness of your pellets.