Project
Our Pellet Mill
Coming from a background from something other than machinery, most of your friends and family may think you are crazy when you decided to buy a pellet mill. Don’t let their disconcerting feelings weigh on you or your endeavor. This isn’t some off the cuff purchase, you should have much thought into this decision and it is far from a whim you have decided to become a Pelletier. We had no idea we would fall in love with this idea and lifestyle. It is not a huge change. We work, we clean up, we have dinner and we are warm. People who en dour winters like New Englanders, can work a little for their heat, water, electric. Which ever. Green living may take a little extra labor, but it pays off ten fold. Like any other sustainable decision.
The Go Green Cat Project decided to purchase the SS 220 Chang Chai Pellet Mill and the 420 Hammer Mill. Both machines water cooled diesel hand crank start which we modified with starters mounted and linked to batteries for an easier push button start.
Pellet mill modified with starer, exhaust and drop tube.
Reasons for choosing the SS220
Diesel engine: Can be converted to bio diesel. No spark plugs to replace.
No Electricity: This is a crank start engine which we modified
Semi-Portable: The machine can be moved. It is approx. 500lbs
High output of pellets: Can feasibly run at 500lbs/Hr
6mm die: This means 6mm pellets, perfect for burning and everything else.
Reason for choosing the 420 Hammer Mill
Size: Mills materials down to approximately 4mm
Cyclone: This added cone acts as a dust barrier during collection
Diesel engine: Can be converted to Biodiesel.
No Electricity: This is a crank start engine which we modified
Semi-Portable: The machine can be moved. It is approx. 500lbs
Space
Many homegrown Pelletier’s use there machine outside, in a garage or shed. It is very important to adapt your space for a space pellet operation. Exhaust system should be in the forefront of your mind if you choose to operate your mill inside. Our mill exhaust system was custom to fit our needs. Space is also needed in the immediate area for drying pellets. Commercial dryers are available, but the DIY way is stacked screens, which do take up a good chunk of space.
Storing
Pellets are affected by many outside elements including moisture and humidity. It is been found that a dry space is necessary in order to keep stored pellets from being ruined. Storing pellets in water tight bags is best. Other storage issues arise when the raw material comes into play. There isn’t an exact formula, but it is for certain more raw material goes in than it comes out, approximately three times more, so storing raw material is essential.
The Process
Become a Pelletier is more like cooking than it is anything else. Finding the exact science is an art. There are many different opinions on stock and formula. What are known are the things that will call discrepancies in the quality of your pellets. We would love to give a Demo. or tecah you how to use your machine.
Stock Consistency
Regardless of your stock or the combination's of them, being consistent will save your sanity. Once you have found a formula that works, mark it down and do your best not to deviate from it. Often times, this is very difficult is you are using stock from different sources. When this is the case, compare your stocks and determine which is the best for you and try to stick with it.
There are several opinions on which make the best binder. Depending on your stock, you may or may not need a binder. Some swear by one binder and scorn others. This will become a huge topic of your pellet world. There are several binders that have been tried successfully, one is Pellet Bond or view more at http://www.mataminc.com/ .
It has been argued a bunch, yet we have found that the best humidity for good pellets is between 8-13 %, depending on the material. Even the slightest deviation will cause a change in your pellets. Using a hygrometer is the most effective way to get an accurate reading on your stock.
Abrasion
Over and over you will here this word “abrasion”. The abrasion process we have found is the beginning to a good batch. Firstly, the dies in which the pellets are pressed through are often times rough, causing malformed pellets. The die itself needs to be “smooth” by using a carbide reamer. This tool allows the die to be freed from imperfections. Secondly the die needs to be abraded. The abrasion stock is a rough mixture used to "lube" the machine.
Your Machine
The machine itself plays a huge role in the quality of pellets you make. Depending on the type of machine you have, its best performance is when it is the happiest and hottest. Our mill makes the best pellets when the die reaches 180 degrees. To determine this temp, you can use a laser thermometer, install a modified external thermostat or be like us, we just wait for the steam to rise.
Modifications
There are several modifications that you could make on your machine. Contact the Go Green Cat Project with questions regarding any mentioned modifications. We are not mechanics, but may be able to point you inthe right directions. Below are some modifications we made to our pellet mill.
Starter and Starter mounting bracket modification
Finding Parts
Many of the parts you will need for your machine you can find at any local hardware store. Finding parts easier is a great perk to buy from a US Dealer.