Pellet Binder Research Articles

Formaldehyde and propionic acid do not reduce starch gelatinization within a laboratory setting and may not contribute to reduced pellet quality

Starch gelatinization acts as a pellet binder, and thereby, increase pellet quality. Increasing pellet quality has been shown to improve bird performance. The use of antimicrobial feed additives has been increasing due to the risk of salmonellosis to consumers. A previous experiment included an antimicrobial primarily composed of formaldehyde and propionic acid added at the mixer to poultry feed. The study steam conditioned the feed for a shorter duration compared to a longer duration and discovered a decrease in pellet quality. We hypothesize that the product inhibited starch gelatinization and that the degree of inhibition is based on heating time. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of formaldehyde and propionic acid on starch gelatinization via glucose release and spectrophotometry across two heating times. Corn starch suspensions were heated at 82°C for 2 min 30 sec or 15 min and added to base reagents. Formaldehyde and/or propionic acid were added to the appropriate corn starch suspensions prior to heating, while the control lacked either of the chemicals. The absorbance of the 4 formulations at each heating time were measured using spectrophotometry (Beckman Coulter, DU 530, Brea, CA). Three replications were performed per treatment. All 4 formulations were analyzed using a multiple comparison. A two-way ANOVA was also employed to explore the 4 (formulation) × 2 (heating time) factorial arrangement of treatments. There was a heating time × formulation interaction where all formulations heated for 15 mins had a significant increase in gelatinization relative to the 2.5 min formulations, with the control formulation showing the least amount of change (P < 0.05). Formaldehyde and propionic acid did not reduce starch gelatinization regardless of heating time. The increase in starch gelatinization with increased heating time may translate to increasing pellet quality.

Optimizing production conditions of innovative bio-pellets developed from flax straw

The increasing global demand for sustainable energy has prompted the utilization of agricultural residues as viable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. This study specifically focuses on the utilization of flax straw, a substantial by-product in Canadian agriculture, to produce innovative biofuels through the process of pelletization. To enhance the quality of the pellets, lignin extracted from flax straw was introduced as a novel and natural pellet binder. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to analyze effect of various parameters, including flax straw particle size, binder (lignin) content, moisture levels, and pelletization conditions on quality of produced pellets. It was observed that at a compressive force of 4000 N and a die temperature of 95 °C, pellets made from larger flax straw particles (300–355 µm) exhibited a density of 1016 kg/m³ and a mechanical durability of 26.4 %. Subsequently, by reducing the particle size to 75–106 µm, a marked enhancement in both density (1072 kg/m³) and durability (86.1 %, a 2.3-fold increase) was achieved. The incorporation of 10 % lignin into medium-sized flax straw particles (150–212 µm) increased pellet durability by 18.6 % from 73.5 % to 87.2 %. Introducing an optimal moisture content of 14 % to the flax straw resulted in a notable increase in both density (from 1036 to 1154 kg/m³) and durability (from 73.5 % to 90.6 %, a 23.3 % increase). Compressive force and die temperature positively affected pellet quality. Elevating the temperature from 75 to 115 °C in pellets made from 150 to 212 µm flax straw, modified with 10 % lignin and 14 % moisture content, led to a significant improvement in both density (1179 kg/m³) and durability (96.6 %, a 11.9 % increase). Physiochemical characteristics of flax straw, lignin, and the resulting pellets were explored using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. These comprehensive investigations offer valuable insights for optimizing pellet materials and pelletization conditions and promoting the sustainable utilization of agricultural residues for bioenergy production.

Different alternative pellet binders affect the durability and density of Indigofera pellet

Indigofera is one of the many legumes that contains high protein which can be utilized as ruminant protein source. Indigofera utilization for feed industries may be limited by its volume especially during transportation. To reduce high volume of Indigofera transportation, pelleting is needed. Binder is one of the main components in producing pellet. This research aimed to analyse the effect of different binders in the durability, bulk density, density, organic matter content, dry matter content, and crude protein content of Indigofera pellet. The treatments used were LignoBond DD ® as standard binder, sago flour, cornstarch, and tapioca flour. The results showed that pellet durability and density were significantly affected by pellet binder while bulk density, organic matter, dry matter, and crude protein were not affected. The best alternative pellet binder that has the same result as LignoBond® as standard binder is tapioca flour.

Design of saccharide based organic binder for low-grade iron ore pelletization using atomistic simulations and machine learning methods

Inorganic binders like bentonite, used for pelletization of low-grade iron ore, generate iron ore slimes with comparatively high silica and alumina content necessitating extra steps for their removal during iron making process. This demands the usage of organic binders as full or partial replacement of bentonite for iron ore pelletization. In this work, adsorption of organic binders with saccharides skeleton and –H, –OH, –CH2OH and –CH2CH2OH as polar substituents, on goethite surface was studied using density functional theory, molecular dynamics and machine learning. It was observed that adsorption energy of binders on goethite surface had weak dependence on number of hydrogen bonds between them. With this favorable interaction in mind, a library containing 64 organic binders was constructed and adsorption energy of 30 of these binders was computed using molecular dynamics, followed by training of a linear regression model, which was then used to predict the adsorption energy of rest of the binders in the library. It was found that the introduction of –CH2CH2OH at R2 position resulted in statistically significant higher adsorption energy. Binder34 and Binder44 were identified as viable candidates for both goethite and hematite ore pelletization and adsorption of their n-mers on goethite and hematite surfaces was also quantified.

Maintaining the physical quality and digestibility of pellet feed through the use of plant-based pellet binder.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of the use of binders on the physical quality and digestibility of Alabio ducks (Anas platyrinchos Borneo). Pellet binders used tapioca meal (TM) (Manihot utilissima), sago meal (SM) (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.), and sweet potato meal (SPM) (Ipomoea batatas) pelleted feed. Laying Alabio ducks, around 120 birds, aged 20 weeks with an average body weight of 1,426 ± 113.5 gm, were used. A fully randomized design with 4 treatments and 15 repeats was used in this study. The variables measured include the physical quality and digestibility of pellet feed. Data analysis used a Fisher test. For the distinction between treatments, the Duncan multiple-range test was conducted. The finding showed that the plant-based pellet binder had a natural effect on physical properties, including pellet durability index, moisture content, threshold power, stack density, and stack compacted density. The strength of the pellet binder is seen in the durability index of TM 98.12%, SM 97.64%, and SPM 97.35%, respectively. However, these variables did not differ significantly in terms of specific gravity and stack angle. Pellet binders considerably affect the consumption of feed and vary markedly in dry matter, organic matter, and metabolizable energy digestibility. Plant-based pellet binders influence the physical quality and digestibility of pelleted feed in Alabio ducks. TM can maintain physical quality and digestibility compared to SM and SPM as plant-based pellet binders.

Comparative study of depotash vinasse and molasses as binder and production performance in lactating Murrah buffaloes.

Dairy sector has recently focused a lot of attention on the addition of agricultural by-products as functional feed additives as an environmentally friendly and sustainable technology. Depotash vinasse (DPV) serves as a cheap source of nutrients and a binder for animal feed in dairy sector. However, there is little information available on the usage of depotash vinasse on animals. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the role of depotash vinasse as pellet binder on nutrient digestibility, blood parameters and milk production in early lactating Murrah buffaloes. Fifteen Murrah buffaloes (daily milk yield 8.5 to 9.0kg/day) were randomly assigned to three groups, viz., control, group 1 (G1) and group 2 (G2) on the basis of milk yield and days in milk. The control group animals received a basal diet of concentrate mix, oat greens and wheat straw, G1 animals received molasses as a binder (8%), while G2 received DPV as binder (8%). Results revealed that there was no significant effect on nutrient digestibility. Blood parameters and hepatic enzymes were statistically similar (P > 0.05). Supplementation of depotash vinasse as binder had no effect on plasma minerals and was comparable to control group. There were no changes in milk production and 6% fat-corrected milk yield in treated groups as compared to control. It was concluded that depotash vinasse (8%) may be used for pellet production with no negative impact on milk yield and composition, nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical parameters in early lactating buffaloes.

Hydrothermal carbonization of sawmill shavings for fuel pellet production: A robust strategy for sustainable energy

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a pre-treatment technology enhancing fuel characteristics of wood wastes. However, HTC aqueous phase (HTC-AP) is the main source of environmental pollution associated with this technology. In this study, a sequential HTC and pelletization was performed to convert Spruce wastes (SP) into fuel pellets. For the first time, HTC-AP was utilized in pellet formulation as a moisture source. HTC at 260 °C for 1 h obtained a SP hydrochar with fixed carbon and higher heating value of 45.2 wt% and 28.7 MJ/kg, respectively. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used as a binder for SP hydrochar pellets. Effects of HTC-AP and CMC mass fraction on the relaxed density, compressive strength, and durability were investigated by a 3-level full factorial design. SP7 pellet (15.0 wt% CMC and 17.5 wt% HTC-AP) showed the relaxed density of 1042.7 kg/m3, durability of 99.5%, higher heating value of 24.6 MJ/kg, with the highest compressive strength of 6.0 MPa. The quality of SP7 pellet was beyond the international standards for ENplus A1 (non-industrial) and I3 (industrial) pellets set by European Pellet Council and International Organization for standardization in terms of moisture content, durability, density, and calorific value. Additionally, Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was employed for visualization of porosity and internal structure of SP pellets before and after moisture exposure. SP7 pellet exhibited the lowest moisture adsorption rate constant (0.0008 min−1) and porosity (1.7%) compared with other formulations. Quantification of micro-structural properties of SP pellets also confirmed the contribution of micron-scale pores to the moisture-induced crack formation and growth as well as porosity expansion, deteriorating pellet quality during a long-term storage of fuel pellets. These findings suggested the recovery of HTC-AP in SP hydrochar pellet formulation to achieve circular economy.

Design of Saccharide Based Organic Binder for Low-grade Iron Ore Pelletization using Atomistic Simulations and Machine Learning Methods

Design of Saccharide Based Organic Binder for Low-grade Iron Ore Pelletization using Atomistic Simulations and Machine Learning Methods

A Review on the Humic Substances in Pelletizing Binders: Preparation, Interaction Mechanism, and Process Characteristics

Humic acid is inexpensive, and has a wide range of sources and a strong adsorption force with the surface of iron ore, and the size of its adsorption force is affected by some factors such as humic acid concentration, pH of the solution, and metal cations. The modified humic acid pellet binder (MHA) with strong adhesion and high viscosity was obtained through the separation and purification of solid wastes such as lignite and weathered coal and chemical modification treatment and successfully applied in the production process of iron ore pellets. After industrial tests, MHA can significantly improve the strength of green and dry pellets, less residue after high-temperature roasting, less metallurgical pollution, high strength of fired pellets, and can partially or completely replace bentonite.

Effect of Organic Pellet Binders on Physic and Nutrient Quality as an Eco Feed Product

Environmentally friendly products are currently a concern for the community to consume. The increase in livestock products is also in line with the increasing need for feed. Some chemicals materials are used in producing feed have been prohibited from being used. Organic binder for pellet feed is one of the solutions to replace these non-organic materials. In this study, two dosages of molasses and bentonite as organic pellet binders were tested on the quality of pellet feed with factorial arrangement. The parameter was physic quality pellet such as hardness, durability, friction and density. Chemical component of pellet product such as dry matter, ash, protein, fat and fibre. Organic binder of 5% molasses and 5% bentonite were optimum to obtain better physical pellet condition. In addition, 5% of molasses binder resulted in highest pellet durability index (93.40%). As conclusion, molasses and bentonite are suggested as organic binders for producing good quality pellet feed.

A Review on the Effect of the Mechanism of Organic Polymers on Pellet Properties for Iron Ore Beneficiation.

Iron ore pellets not only have excellent metallurgical and mechanical properties but are also essential raw materials for improving iron and steel smelting in the context of the increasing global depletion of high-grade iron ore resources. Organic polymers, as important additive components for the production of high-quality pellets, have a significant impact on the formation as well as the properties of pellets. In this review, the mechanisms of organic polymers on the pelletizing properties, bursting temperature, and pellet strength at low and high temperatures, as well as the existing measures and mechanisms to improve the high-temperature strength of the organic binder pellets are systematically summarized. Compared with traditional bentonite additives, the organic polymers greatly improve the pelletizing rate and pellet strength at low temperatures, and significantly reduces metallurgical pollution. However, organic binders often lead to a decrease in pellet bursting temperature and pellet strength at high temperatures, which can be significantly improved by compounding with a small amount of low-cost inorganic minerals, such as bentonite, boron-containing compounds, sodium salts, and copper slag. At the same time, some industrial solid wastes can be rationally used to reduce the cost of pellet binders.

Bonding Mechanism and Process Characteristics of Special Polymers Applied in Pelletizing Binders

Pellet ore not only has excellent metallurgical and mechanical properties, but is also an important metallurgical raw material used to solve the problem of increasing depletion of global high-grade iron ore resources. Bentonite has long been widely used in pellet ore production, which is not only expensive but also causes serious metallurgical pollution. Organic binders can form stronger adhesion and cohesion with mineral particles inside the green pellets than capillary forces, which greatly improves the pelletizing rate and significantly increases the strength of green and dry pellets, and it becomes an indispensable alternative to bentonite because it volatilizes pyrolytically at high temperatures, leaving almost no inorganic contaminants inside the pellet ore. In order to let more pellet researchers fully understand the research status and pelletizing theory of organic binders, this review systematically summarizes seven common organic binders, and elaborates on their adhesion mechanism and process characteristics, so as to provide references for pellet researchers and readers to further prepare cost-effective pellet binders and improve advanced pelletizing technology.

Upgrading agro-pellets by torrefaction and co-pelletization process using food waste as a pellet binder

This work presents a study on the properties of upgraded agro-pellets produced by torrefaction and co-pelletization process, where starch-rich food waste was used as a pellet binder. The impact of blending coal cutting waste (CCW), torrefaction pre-treatment and the use of starch binder on the mechanical properties of agro-pellets were examined. The resulting physical properties of agro-pellets were significantly improved. Thermal decomposition of corn straw (CS) can be divided into three stages. Co-pelleting with a small amount of CCW promote the combustion of CS showing an improved thermodynamic characteristic of torrefied corn straw (TCS). Torrefaction reduces the difference of heat distribution, improving the adaptability of pellet fuel in operation. Both co-pelletization and torrefaction processes lead to reduced concentrations of NOx and SO2, increased calorific value of fuel and elevated CO2 emission per unit mass, which are conducive to pollutants reduction and thermodynamic qualities of agro-pellets. Moreover, life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis indicated that more energy input was required for co-pelletization and torrefaction pre-treatment, consequently leading to an enhanced energy return ratio.

Potential of Dimensional Measurements of Individual Pellets for Evaluating Feed Pellet Quality

HighlightsPellet length but not width increased significantly with increasing inclusion of a pellet binder in a pelleted feedMachine vision capably and rapidly measures pellet lengthThe narrow range in pellet length measurements prevents its use as an effective discriminator of pellet qualityPellet durability index from aggressive pellet durability testing is the better discriminator of feed pellet qualityAbstract. Pellet durability index (PDI) detailed in ASAE Standard S269.4 (ASAE Standards, 2007) has been the widely accepted measure for pellet quality in the U.S. and, by extension, the measure for evaluating the effect of ingredients and pelleting process variables on the quality of pelleted feed products. The PDI is calculated as the mass percentage of intact pellets remaining after tumbling a 500 g sample in a tumbling can durability tester for 10 min. In the case where pellet quality is good, oftentimes the resulting PDI for different experimental treatments are very close in magnitude. In these situations, it is desirable to have another measurement that would allow for finer discrimination among treatments. It was hypothesized that the average linear dimensions of animal feed pellets in a unit mass sample would vary as a function of formulation and pelleting process variables for a consistent knife setting in the pellet mill. This hypothesis was tested in a study involving effectiveness testing of varying inclusion levels of a potential pellet binder in a typical corn-soy swine diet pelleted by both conventional and cold pelleting processes. Pellet lengths and diameters measured by a machine vision implemented in ImageJ matched to measurements taken manually and varied with treatments. Pellet length varied with treatments but could not be a good discriminator of pellet durability between pelleted products because of the narrow range in measurement numbers (8.53 to 11.15 mm by machine vision). With the wider range in numerical values of the PDIs obtained through aggressive durability testing (23.0% to 81.0% in a tumble can with steel hexagonal screw nuts versus 91.0% to 97.5% in a tumble can without hexagonal nuts), PDI from aggressive testing is the better discriminator of quality among pelleted products because of its greater resolution. Keywords: Animal feed, Durability, Linear dimensions, Machine vision, Pellet, Pellet binder, Pelleting, Quality.

The bonding mechanism and effects of sodium ligninsulfonate (SL) in iron ore pelletization

Bentonite is the most commonly used binder for iron ore pellets. However, due to its high alumina and silica content, the slag volume and energy consumption are increased. The aim of the present work is to identify the CSL (sodium ligninsulfonate added CaCO3) as an alternative binder in iron ore pelletization. FTIR and zeta potential tests verified that sodium ligninsulfonate (SL) reacted with magnetite mainly through ligand exchange, hydrogen bond and electrostatic interaction. Compared with SL, CSL has more active sites and stronger adsorbability. The strength of CSL preheated and roasted pellets was determined by TG and SEM. CaCO3 as a fluxing agent develops oxide bridging and bonding between the magnetite grains, forming more slag, reducing porosity and improving the compressive strength of roasted pellets. The experimental results show that it is feasible to add CaCO3 in SL as binder in pellet production.

Influence of organic binder and moisture content on the durability of rice husk and rice straw-based pellets

Biomass can partly replace or reduce coal consumption in power generation, hence reducing the agricultural waste disposal issues and environmental pollution generated by fossil fuel emissions. Pelletization is among the techniques for utilizing biomass and has the advantage of being low cost and easy handling. In this research, broken rice was used as an organic binder at 5%, 10% and 15% and three different moistures (14%, 17% and 20%) were applied for rice husk and rice straw-based pellet, and the evaluation of pellet durability has been conducted. The results show that the addition of broken rice as a pellet binder significantly improves biomass pellet durability. The highest durability of rice husk-based pellet achieved was 99.4% with the binder addition of only 10%. For rice straw-based pellet, the binder percentage is directly proportional to pellet durability up to 15% of binder addition. The result shows a similar trend for the effect of moisture on pellet durability. For rice husk-based pellet, the optimal moisture addition is 17%, while for rice straw-based pellet, the durability increased as the moisture increased with the highest durability of 98.9% at 20% moisture addition. Rice straw requires more binder and moisture to enhance the pellet durability because raw rice straw contains less natural lignin and cellulose content than rice husk.

The Effect of Natural Pellet Binders and Dosage to Produce Pellet made of Miana Plant (Plectranthus scutellarioides, (L.) R. Br.) as Poultry Feedstuffs

The Effect of Natural Pellet Binders and Dosage to Produce Pellet made of Miana Plant (Plectranthus scutellarioides, (L.) R. Br.) as Poultry Feedstuffs

Torrefaction and Pelleting of Wheat and Barley Straw for Biofuel and Energy Applications

Microwave (MW)-assisted torrefaction and pelleting could enhance biomass fuel properties and energy applications. Plastic wastes are considered as a replacement source binder in pellets to minimize their effect on the environment as pollutants. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), an extractable plastic from recycling waste, was investigated as a binder for torrefied wheat and barley straw pellets. Fuel pellet characteristics, such as durability, density, tensile strength, and water absorption, were used to evaluate the pellets produced from a single pelleting test. The results showed that the addition of HDPE as a binder significantly increased the pellet quality in terms of density (686.12–982.93 kg/m3), tensile strength (3.68 and 4.53 MPa) for wheat and barley straw, and reduced ash content of the pellet from 10.34 to 4.59% for barley straw pellet and 10.66 to 3.88% for wheat straw pellets. The higher heating value (HHV) increased with increasing biochar mix and HDPE binder blend. The highest HHV value observed for barley straw was 28.34 MJ/kg, while wheat straw was 29.78 MJ/kg. The study further indicated that MW torrefaction of biomass-biochar mix with HDPE binder reduced the moisture adsorption of wheat and barley straw pellets, which can significantly improve their storage capability in humid locations. The moisture uptake ratio for MW-torrefied barley straw pellets was 0.10–0.25 and wheat straw pellets 0.11–0.25 against a moisture uptake ratio of 1.0 for untreated biomass. MW torrefaction of wheat and barley straw with biochar and HDPE binder addition during pelleting is a promising technique to improve biomass fuel pellet properties.

Effect of Total Mixed Ration Based Complete Pellet Feed on the Performances of Stall Fed Native Sheep

A complete pellet feed was developed using 40 % roughage (Rice straw) and 60 % concentrate (Rice polish 50 %, Maize crush 16 %, Soybean meal 20 %, Molasses 10 %, Salt 2 %, DCP 1 %, Vitaminmineral premix 0.5 %, Pellet binder 0.5 %) for commercial sheep production under stall feeding system. To know the effect of complete pellet feed on animal performances, both on-station and on-farm trials were conducted in growing sheep. The results of the experiment demonstrated that in the traditional system of rearing; only 22.42 g daily weight gain was observed. While, feeding of complete pellet feed achieved 84.98 g, and 100.67 g daily weight gain at on-farm and on-station condition respectively suggesting that pelleting enhanced the efficiency of utilization of feed. However, no differences were observed for the feed cost per kg weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) among the pellet feeding group and other group. But results suggest that complete pellet feed would be more economical for commercial sheep production under the stall-fed condition and farmers would be more benefited using complete pellet feed compared to conventional grass or urea molasses straw (UMS) and concentrate based feeding system. No disease or clinical symptoms were observed in the animals during the experimental period, suggesting that pellet feeds are well accepted by the sheep and results in better growth rate.&#x0D; SAARC J. Agri., 18(2): 157-166 (2020)

IMPACT OF PELLET BINDER ON BROILER PERFORMANCE AND FEED PROCESSING ECONOMICS

Total number of 216 one-day-old, unsexed Hubbard broiler chicks were used to study effects of pellet binder level together with pelleting diameter on growth performance, carcass measurements, and economic efficiency. Experimental birds were distributed over 6 groups, each group comprised of 36 chicks in 6 replicates of 6 chicks each. The experimental dietary treatments were as follows: control (T1) basal diet (BD) that is pelleted in standard diameter (SD) with addition of calcium lignosulfonate (CL) 2 Kg/ Ton; (T2) BD pelleted in SD with CL 4 Kg/ Ton; (T3) BD pelleted in SD with CL 8 Kg/ Ton; (T4) BD pelleted in a diameter thicker that SD by 1.0 mm (SD+1) with CL 2 Kg/ Ton; (T5) BD pelleted in SD+1 with CL 4 Kg/ Ton; and (T6) BD pelleted in SD+1 with CL 8 Kg/ Ton. Obtained results showed that all parameters of growth performance; live body weight (LBW), daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed consumption (DFC), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Also, values of growth efficiency; relative growth rate (RGR),performance index (PI), production efficiency factor (PEF), protein conversion ratio (PCR), and energy conversion ratio (ECR) indicated no significant differences (P>0.05) within all tested groups. Moreover, data of carcass traits; dressed carcass, abdominal fat, giblets, total edible parts appeared significantly similar (P>0.05) among all treatments. Additionally, data of economic evaluation showed better economic efficiency with T2, T5, or T6 groups when compared to other groups. It could be concluded that using CL as a pellet binder in SD conditions, could be more beneficial with inclusion level of 4 Kg/Ton. Moreover, it might be advised to include CL at 8 Kg/ Ton in diets only when pelleting feedatSD+1 as these conditions positively maintained performance and carcass of birds.