Large Scale 20TH Wood Pellet Production Line Equipment Manufacturer
As the global demand for renewable energy continues to rise, wood pellets have emerged as a sustainable and efficient biomass fuel solution. At [Apex biomass equipment ], we specialize in manufacturing high-performance wood pelletizing equipment designed to meet industrial-scale production demands. In this article, we introduce the concept of a wood pellet production line and provide a step-by-step guide on how to set up a fully automated PLC-controlled wood pellet production line with a capacity of 20 tons per hour (TPH), starting from raw logs with high moisture content.
What Is a Wood Pellet Production Line?
A wood pellet production line is a complete set of machinery and processes used to convert raw biomass materials—such as logs, sawdust, or wood chips—into compact, energy-dense wood pellets. These pellets are widely used for heating, power generation, and as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels.
A typical production line includes several stages:
- Raw material preparation(Debarking /wood chipper )
- Crushing
- Drying
- Pelletizing
- Cooling
- Screening
- Packaging
When designed and integrated properly, a modern pellet production line can operate continuously with minimal human intervention, especially when controlled by an advanced PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) system.
How to Set Up a 20 TPH Fully Automated PLC-Controlled Wood Pellet Production Line Using Logs
✅ Step 1: Raw Material Handling
Input Material: Fresh logs with ~60% moisture content
Required Equipment:
- Log debarker – Removes bark to enhance pellet quality
- Log wood chipper – Converts logs into smaller wood chips suitable for processing (10-50th ,wood chipper )
- Belt conveyors – Transfer materials between stages efficiently
✅ Step 2: Crushing (Size Reduction)
Dried chips must be ground into fine particles (3–5 mm) for pelletizing.
Required Equipment:
- Hammer mill – Reduces wood chips to fine powder(10-20th wood hammer mill )
- Cyclone separator – Extracts dust and fine particles
- Screw conveyors – Feed material consistently to next stage
✅ Step 3: Drying (Critical for High Moisture Raw Material)
Logs with 60% moisture must be dried to around 10-15% before pelletizing.
Recommended Equipment:(5th-15th , when the moisture is 50% -15%,drum dryer )
- Rotary drum dryer
- Hot air furnace – Powered by biomass or other energy sources
- Cyclone dust collector – Controls emissions and collects fines
- Moisture sensors – Integrated with PLC for real-time moisture control
Automation Tip: The PLC system monitors inlet and outlet moisture levels to optimize drying efficiency and prevent over-drying.
✅ Step 4: Pelletizing
This is the core process where fine biomass powder is compressed into dense pellets.
Pellet Mill Specifications:
- Ring die pellet mills – Ideal for high-capacity output
- Heavy-duty gearbox and rollers – Designed for 20 TPH continuous operation
- PLC-integrated control – Automatically adjusts feeding rate, pressure, and temperature
✅ Step 5: Cooling
Fresh pellets exit the press at ~80–90°C and must be cooled to ambient temperature.
Cooling System:
- Counterflow pellet cooler
- Vibrating sieve or screener – Removes fines and broken pellets
Automation Tip: The PLC regulates airflow and discharge timing to maximize cooling efficiency.
✅ Step 6: Screening and Packaging
Pellets are screened, sorted, and packaged for transport or storage.
Packaging Options:
- Automatic bagging machines – 15–50 kg bags or jumbo bags
- Palletizing robot arms – For large-scale packaging
- Dust collection system – Ensures a clean working environment
Benefits of a PLC-Controlled Fully Automated Pellet Line
- Higher Productivity: Real-time synchronization of all processes
- Energy Efficiency: Smart drying and pelletizing controls reduce waste
- Consistent Quality: Precise control over moisture, size, and density
- Reduced Labor Costs: Minimal manual operation required
- Safety Monitoring: PLC detects overloads, blockages, and fire risks
Why Choose APEX BIOMASS EQUIPMENT CO.,LTD ?
With years of expertise in biomass processing and automation, Apex biomass equipment offers turnkey wood pellet production lines tailored to your specific requirements. We provide:
- Custom engineering design
- High-efficiency equipment (debarker ,wood chipper ,dryer ,wood pellet machine , cooler )
- Advanced PLC automation systems
- On-site installation and training
- After-sales service and spare parts
Setting up a fully automated 20 TPH wood pellet production line from raw logs is a significant investment—but one that offers high returns in energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term profitability. Whether you're entering the biomass energy market or scaling up your production, Apex biomass is your trusted partner for robust, intelligent, and high-throughput pellet production systems.
Contact us today to get a customized solution and quote for your wood pellet project.
