Performance of a Manually Fed Pelleting Machine with a Horizontal Rotating Matrix

Abstract

This study analyzed the performance of a pelleting machine with a manual feeder and with a horizontal rotating matrix. Hazelnut husk residue obtained after hazelnut harvesting is used as a material. The residues were pelleted at M10 moisture content and with 6 mm particle sizes. Physical properties (bulk density, pellet density, mechanical duration and pellet firmness, moisture and equivalent humidity contents) and thermal properties (gas emission values after combustion, ash content and calorific values) of the pellets were measured. Pellets bulk density was 584.44 kg m(-3). Particle density, mechanical durability and firmness values were 1238.20 kg m(-3), 93.26% and 1146.00 N, respectively. Regarding the emission values, the pellets' flue gases were within the legal limits and had a heating value of 4196 cal g(-1), which is close to the heating value of wood. In conclusion, the pelleting machine with a horizontal rotating matrix was found to be very suitable for pelleting hazelnut husks, and this means that this agro-based residue material can be readily used as a solid fuel.