Development of Bagasse Pelletizer

摘要

This project study focused on the development of a bagasse pelletizer for maximizing the efficiency of the bagasse as a fuel. Specifically, this study aimed to conduct site investigation to determine the amount of bagasse generated at Central Azucarera Don Pedro (CADP) Nasugbu, Batangas, fabricate and develop a bagasse pelletizer , conduct preliminary testing of the fabricated prototype to establish the bagasse moisture content suitable for pelletizing and the best proportion of raw bagasse, water and starch as binding material.rnThis is an experimental study of the bagasse pelletizer. The procedures employed in the attainment of the objectives of the study were site evaluation, development stage, preliminary testing, and actual gathering of data. Raw bagasse from CADP had been analyzed through its moisture content using the oven method and consulting testing centers. In determining the best proportion of the bagasse and binder material preparation up to pelletizing and drying were performed. The average size of the pellets, production rate, and machine's efficiency were determined The size of the pellet was based on the shape of the die holes and cutter position. Machine's efficiency was determined in terms of the unit weight of the pellets and the bagasse, production rate of the machine was determined by the amount of pellets produced and the time of production.rnSite evaluation shows that 120 to 240 tons of bagasse are not used up by CADP daily. The moisture content of raw bagasse suitable for pelletizing is 19.7%. The best proportion of bagasse, corn starch and water is 100:50:300g. The average length of good pellets with a diameter of 12. 7 mm was about 24.65 mm. The average rate of production of pellet was 14.88 kg/hr. The average pelletizing efficiency of the machine was 57.0%. Based on these results, it was concluded that the higher the moisture content, the lower the efficiency of the machine, pelletized bagasse is denser than the unpelletized one, and it is better to burn the pelletized bagasse if it undergone natural drying for two to three days since natural or sun drying can minimize the moisture content.