Additional Binders for Sawdust Pelletizer
If sufficient lignin is not present in the raw material for pelletizer, additional binders can be used, sawdust pelletizer, for example, adding additional binders to the sawdust makes up the lack of lignin.
Many different binders are used in the pelletizer industry depending on the purpose of the pellet. For example, binders suitable for fuel pellets such as sawdust pellet production may not be suitable for feed pellets as the binder may interfere with the combustion process. Some binders are used purely to increase pellet density, while some are also used to improve lubrication through the pelletizer, reducing parts wear and increasing productivity.
The percentage of binder added to the sawdust pelletizer, is dictated by its purpose, whether purely bind or also increase productivity. Below 10% and binder is used more for binding properties. Anything above this is to increase productivity by reducing the resistance as the sawdust passes through the pelletizer die. The simplest additional binders include vegetable oil, Molasses, starch, gluten, dried distiller’s grain and rape cake. Many organizations constantly make the experiment using different materials as pellet binders, using by-products from other processes and waste products. Generally, if it is sticky and oily, it is worth trying it as a binder of pelletizing equipment.
Mixing materials together can also address the binder issue. For example, mixing sawdust with straw and then placing into the pelletizer, this can create a better-quality pellet than a pure sawdust pellet. This can have other benefits, particularly for fuel pellets. Straw pellets compared to sawdust produce more corrosion and ash, and therefore, create more maintenance for the user. A sawdust/straw pellet would have better combustion characteristics and would extend limited wood resources.