Like any machine, a wood pellet mill machine can encounter various technical, operational, and mechanical issues.
If you take a systematic approach to resolving these problems, you can save a lot of time, money, and effort.
Here are a few prevalent pellet machine issues and their respective troubleshooting steps.
The Pellet Machine is Not Getting On
Sometimes, a biomass pellet mill doesn’t start. There could be several possible reasons for this. You can try the following things to fix it.
● Make sure the machine is properly plugged in. There should not be any loose wire or connection in the control panel.
● Check if the power switch and other controls are in the correct position. Sometimes, safety interlocks prevent the mill from starting.
● There are pellet mills that come with overload protection. When you put in excessive load, this feature gets activated.
● Check for motor malfunctions.
Wood Pellet Dust Problems
It is one of the most common issues a pellet mill operator faces. If not taken care of, it might lead to equipment damage and fire hazards.
Follow the below troubleshooting for it.
● Optimize the speed of your machine to minimize dust generation.
● Make sure the workplace is clean and fully ventilated.
● Consider installing dust extraction systems.
● Clean your pellet mill whenever required.
Improper Pellet Density
When you make wood pellets at home for personal use, pellet density does not bother you. However, if you are selling them commercially, it might affect your business.
● If the density of pellets is too low, they will be too light and may break easily. Make sure your pellet mill’s speed is set at the right level. Too slow mill speed can also affect the density of your pellets.
● Also, check the temperature settings of your mill. If it is too high your pellets will be too soft and brittle.
● Set the temperature according to the pellet consistency you are looking for.
Jamming of Pellets Inside the Machine
Sometimes, pellets get jammed inside the machine. Some common reasons for this include:
● If there is not adequate room in your pellet machine to process raw material, pellets may get jammed inside the machine. Add raw material as per the capacity of the mill.
● Remove irregular pellets or any foreign objects causing the blockage.
● Sometimes pellets block the die holes or get stuck into rollers. Remove them using appropriate tools. Do a deep cleaning of the die and rollers.
● Check the moisture content of raw materials. Excessive moisture can cause sticky pellets. Such pellets can cause jamming.
Vibration and Strange Sound
Vibration and unusual sounds might be indications of underlying issues. Therefore, you shouldn’t ignore them.
Below is the troubleshooting guide to address these problems.
● Stop the machine as soon as you hear any weird sound. It will prevent further damage.
● Check for possible foreign objects. Metals and unwanted objects may enter the mill along with raw materials.
● Check out the alignments of bearings, belts, and chains. If they are loose, they might cause vibration. Lubricate all the movable parts of your wood pellet mill as per the requirements.
● Pouring too much raw material together can block the airflow of the machine. This build-up can cause vibration. Take some material out of your machine’s hopper to fix this issue.
Low Production
There could be several reasons for it, ranging from worn die & rollers to insufficient power supply to improper machine settings.
Also, there could be a problem with the motor.
● Always use high-quality raw materials so that the die and rollers do not wear off quickly. Check if they need replacement.
● Lubricate all the moving parts.
● If the motor is tripping or overeating, check for voltage fluctuations and overloading.
It is advisable to follow your manufacturer’s recommendation for pellet mill repair.