Using four pelletizing machines with flat die and different capacities for obtaining the best pellets from corn cobs waste

Abstract

Making pellets from corn cobs, the goal of this work, was motivated by the abundance of vegetable biomass. Corn is used in both animal and human food. Four pelletizing presses with flat die and different capacities were considered. The influence of the capacity of the pellet mills on the density of the obtained pellets was established by increasing the capacities of the pellet mills to increase the density of the pellets. The waste of crushed corn cobs was used for pelletizing. The energy characteristics of the pellets from corn cobs were determined, with a high calorific value of 20.0 MJ·kg-1 and a calorific density of 19.8 MJ·m-3; these values were much higher than the wood species used currently in combustion. The black and calcined ash contents of 24.7% and 2.3%, respectively, were also obtained. Based on the main properties of experimental pellets, corn cob waste can be regarded as suitable for transformation into pellets with good characteristics. The positive influence of capacity press increase on density of pellets was also highlighted.