Technology Insight
Welcome to our first Technology Insight, where we expand our knowledge on an industry, application, or product!
Our first Insight is on Wood Pellet Manufacture, where we are happy to showcase Bechem Lubricants, a leading manufacturer of high-quality specialty lubricants and metalworking fluids.
Q and A – Wood Pellet Edition
Q: What are wood pellets?
A: Wood pellets are a type of biomass fuel made from compressed sawdust and other wood by-products. Typically cylindrical in shape. As they are made from sustainably sourced wood waste, they are considered a renewable energy source.
Q: How many tonnes of wood pellets are produced in the UK annually?
A: The UK produces approximately 300,000 tonnes of wood pellets each year.
Q: How are wood pellets made?
A: Wood production by-products like sawdust, wood chips, and other wood waste are collected and dried to reduce moisture content to around 10%. The dried wood is then ground into a fine powder using hammer mills. This powder is compressed through a die in a pellet mill under high pressure and heat to form cylindrical pellets, which are then cooled and solidified.
Q: What are the primary uses of wood pellets in the UK?
A: In the UK, wood pellets are mainly used for heating and electricity generation. They serve as a renewable energy source in biomass boilers and stoves for both residential and commercial heating.
Q: Where does Bechem come in?
A: Bechem has been working closely with the pellet industry and have an established range of lubricants specifically designed for the harsh environment of pellet plants. Bechem greases enhance plant efficiency by reducing unplanned downtime due to their excellent temperature consistency, anti-wear properties, and extreme pressure qualities in the greases designed for the pellet presses.
If you would like to talk more about our lubrication solutions for pellet presses please get in touch!
