Rice husk can be processed into wood pellets for use in gasification systems. In areas were rice husk is aready mixed with bran as is the case where Engelberg type mills are common, the husk-bran mixture can be used directly in the pellet production process. However, in areas where husk is separated from husk as is the case where rubber roll mills are used, the required husk-bran mixture can be reconstituted during the pellet production process.

A husk grinder, mixer and motorized pelleter are the equipment required for pellet production. It also important to build drying surfaces and to think about storage containers. Once pellets have been dried, it is important to store in containers that prevent moisture reabsorption.

AfricaRice and Techniques de Construction Mecano-Soudee (TCMS) have developed a hammer mill (AfricaRice-TCMS grinder) which can reduce husk particle sizes to less than 1 mm. The grinder blades are made from stainless to increase depreciation time. The grinder has a capacity of 200kg/h.

AfricaRice-TCMS grinder

AfricaRice and TCMS have also developed a Mixer called AfricaRice-TCMS mixer. The AfricaRice-TCMS mixer is a rotatory mixer with a capacity of 500kg/h. The maximum humidity of the mixture is 30%.

 

AfricaRice-TCMS Mixer

AfricaRice and TCMS have also developed a multi-functional screw press briquetter/pelleter. The AfricaRice-TCMS motorized screw press briquetter/pelleter has a capacity of 200kg/h and can be used to produce both briquettes and pellets.

AfricaRice-TCMS Multi-functional Screw Press Briquetter/Pelleter.

Pellets made from rice husk

 

The detail protocol for pellet production and the AutoCAD drawings of the equipment can be assessed here later.

TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPED BY AFRICA RICE CENTER IN COLLABORATION WITH PARTNERS ARE PUBLIC GOODS. KINDLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE AFRICA RICE CENTER IF YOU USE ANY ON THE TECHNOLOGIES DESCRIBED HERE.