Premium Pellets

Premium pellets are a high quality grade of fuel pellets. Premium pellets refers to a quality of wood pellet fuel made from softwood and hardwood residues. For the softwood premium grade fuel pellets pine and spruce residues are used, and for hardwood premium grade fuel pellets oak residues are used. For the pellets to meet premium grade requirements several attributes have to be meet.

Low Ash Content

For the premium pellet standard, the ash content of the pellets must be very low, below 1%. To achieve this the species of wood must produce a low ash percentage, but also all, or most of the bark must be removed.

Low Moisture Percentage

To achieve the best combustion efficiency possible, a low moisture content is required. Premium pellets are therefore required to have a moisture percentage below 10%, however many manufactures produce pellets with moisture contents between 5-8%. Compare this to seasoned wood logs which have a moisture percentage around 30%, it is clear how wood pellets achieve much higher combustion temperatures.

Mechanical Durability

Another key aspect of the quality of premium grade pellets are their mechanical durability. This simply refers to the density of the pellets, and how well they hold their shape. A premium pellet produced under sufficient pressure and heat should have a smooth surface and shine. The pellets should not easily crumble, and should not produce excessive fines. Mechanical durability is an important feature for efficient combustion. Pellets with a low mechanical durability will separate during combustion causing increased smoke, lower heat values and higher ash content, as complete combustion was not achieved.

Fines Percentage

Fines are particles from the production process which did not form pellets, or are particles which have broken off pellets. Premium pellets must have a low fines percentage, as fines can reduce combustion efficiency and increase ash produced during combustion.

Wood Pellet Production Guide

To learn how premium pellets are made, including the equipment used and process involved, please download the wood pellet production guide.

The Wood Pellet Production Guide © PelHeat Ltd - Premium Pellets