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, from heat value to ash content.

Premium Pellets 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. Therefore sawdust is often used.

Low Moisture Percentage A Must

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 (Pellet Strength)

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 (Dust Within The Bag)

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.

Making Suitable Wood Pellets For Sale

Lower grades of wood pellets can be produced, however you must not claim that these are premium grade pellets. You have to charge a lower cost per ton for standard grade pellets, however your raw material will also be cheaper. However the main obstacle is finding customers with suitable pellet stoves to burn lower grade wood pellets. Most pellet stoves are designed to burn premium wood pellets only.

The Wood Pellet Production Guide © PelHeat Ltd - Premium Pellets