In modern production, technology is increasingly being used that allows to reduce the mass of the finished product and aims to release it in a compact, convenient for use form. A device known as a press granulator helps to carry out such a process. The final product of the manufacture of this unit may be fuel granules (pellets) obtained from wood waste, peat. They will effectively replace firewood, while having a small specific gravity and differing in ease of use.
The granulation process has firmly taken its place in the agricultural sector. The production of granular feed has gained widespread demand and popularity in this area of ​​management.
Purpose of granulators
The device is positioned as a multi-functional unit for creating granules. The granulator is successfully used both in industrial production and for personal purposes, on its own small farm. For example, a feed pellet mill is intended for the production of large pellets or the creation of combined feed pellets from various components of food materials: waste after processing crops, hay, grass or bran. Product forming takes place inside the device.
This technology has the advantage of ensuring an extended shelf life of various food feeds, as well as efficient transportation, thanks to its compact packaging.
Distributing animal feed in granular form is much more convenient, depending on the needs and requirements of the animal or bird.
Work with the device
The technology for the preparation of granules consists in the method of forcing pre-crushed feed through the matrix of a press granulator. The holes in the matrix are cylindrical, and the pressure is carried out by means of pressing rollers. There are units in which pressure on the matrix is ​​carried out using a screw.
During the working process of preparing the pellets, various ingredients useful for animals and birds, including vitamins, can be added to the crushed feed. The finished product is very easy to portion.
The effective operation of the feed mill granulator directly depends on the power parameters of the electric motor. The higher the engine power, the greater the percentage of pellet production for a certain time period.
The technological process for the production of granules has the following stages of work:
- At the first stage, the combined feed is placed in the receiving hopper located on top of the unit.
- Further, the feed spontaneously moves to the matrix, through which it is pressed by pressing rollers through special holes.
- Selling material already in the form of granules leaves the device through the technological channels in the capsule.
Unit device
The granulator press device comprises:
- receiving hopper;
- a matrix made in the form of an all-metal disk with holes staggered, they have cutting edges in the form of a hexagon;
- shafts;
- cutting knife;
- sealant;
- as a drive - an electric motor;
- pipe outlet for granules.
The shafts can be made in the form of a pressing screw, which contains winding with a decreasing step to the bottom. The last turn of the shaft is located at a certain angle to the matrix. Parallel to it, a flat part of the end of the last turn is located along the radius of the screw — the seal. The size of the seal corresponds to the size of the edge of the cutting hole.
The cutting knife has the form of a disk, which is mounted at a distance of 0.2 mm from the surface of the matrix. Knives can also be curved with an internal cutting side. Such elements of the press granulator are attached at an angle of pinching to the exit of the finished product. The length of the granular material is controlled by the number of curved knives.
Granulator classification
Many typical units are divided by the design of the main parts. The location of the matrix in the device determines the following types:
- ring matrix aggregate;
- flat die granulator;
- fixed-matrix mechanism.
The first type of press granulator is equipped with a matrix, which has grooves along the edge, runners move along them. This design feature suggests an even distribution of the load volume of work. Accordingly, the processed material has a uniform distribution over the entire working surface of the main nodes. Ring-type granulators are put into service in the industrial field of production.
Flat matrix assemblies do not include guide channels for shafts. In this type of device, the pressing rollers periodically stray from their predetermined path of movement, the load is distributed in an unequal ratio. But the use of a flat matrix has its own advantage - the granular product is of higher quality. Granulators with such a structural element are used in private production.
Mechanisms equipped with a fixed matrix relate to units with a flat matrix, but whose diameter is more than 270 mm. The load is distributed significantly more evenly, and the service life is much longer than that of mobile counterparts.
Types of working elements of the device
There is also a classification of aggregates by the main work item:
- Press granulator. It is characterized by the presence of a special pressing element. This type has a corresponding mode of operation identical to conventional devices. It differs in a certain shape of the shafts and matrix, which contribute to a more efficient processing of raw materials.
- Reducing granulator. This version of the working element provides for the operation of a single or two-stage gearbox. The use scheme involves the transmission of torque from an electric motor to a functional element. This makes it possible to increase the pressure on the feedstock, which, in turn, leads to an increase in productivity.
- Screw press granulator. Differs from other analogs in horizontal giving. The pressure mode through the matrix is ​​carried out under the influence of a special screw.
Modal functioning
The design features of the unit allow it to work for a long time without stopping. Technological stops are necessary only in order to carry out cleaning work and lubricate parts and assemblies. It is recommended that lubrication operations be carried out every 4 hours of continuous operation of the granulator.