Abstract
The use of biomass fuel pellets is becoming widespread as a renewable and environment-friendly energy. Pellet fuels are produced in various pellet machine types. Pellet machines encounter problems such as pressure irregularities and choke at the initial start for different kinds of biomass feedstock. In this study, disc springs are integrated into a vertical axis pellet machine for a pressure regulation and design optimization. Force-deformation and stress-deformation relations of disc springs are investigated using analytical and finite element methods. Pelletizing pressures were calculated based on disc spring force values using the Hertzian stress formula. Utilized disc springs ensured the pressure regulation, production efficiency increase and damage prevention on the die-roller mechanism.
Highlights
Biomass is one of the alternative and renewable energy sources in today’s world where fossil fuel sources rapidly decrease and environmental effects increase
Difference between the A-L method and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) force values increases with the deformation ratio
Mostly encountered problems are choking, pressure irregularity and determining optimum gap between the die and roller during the production process. These problems are aimed to be solved by integrating disc springs into presses
Summary
Biomass is one of the alternative and renewable energy sources in today’s world where fossil fuel sources rapidly decrease and environmental effects increase. Biomass is defined as a renewable energy source that consists of organic materials as wood, plant, manure and sewage sludge residues and has a capacity to be utilized as fuel [1]. Biomass needs to be processed to be utilized as solid fuel. This process is listed in three main stages: dehumidification/humidification, grinding, and pressing. There are two types of common solid biomass pressing techniques - briquetting and pelletizing. Fuel pieces produced in various dimensions and geometries, such as prismatic, cylindrical along a continuous line, spherical and pillow-shaped, are bigger than pelletized end-products. Only compressed cylindrical pieces are produced in particular lengths, which is more common and efficient than briquetting.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
