What is pellet: everything you need to know to use it

Dec. 20, 2024

The use of pellet-powered stoves has become increasingly common, often surpassing traditional stoves that use gas or wood. If you are not yet familiar with this 100% renewable biofuel, you are in the right place. In this article we explain what pellets are, their advantages, and how you can use and store them properly.

What is pellet: everything you need to know to use it

What is a pellet?

A pellet is a small conglomerate made from wood chips and sawdust, approximately two centimetres in size. It is a completely natural and renewable biofuel that has gained popularity in recent years, not only because it is environmentally friendly, but also because it is one of the most economical fuels on the market.

An important aspect in the manufacture of pellets is that the wood used must be completely clean. If it contains bark, it can drag sand, and if leaves are included, the chlorophyll could turn the pellet into a toxic material, damaging the stove or boiler. Therefore, the production process requires rigorous control of the raw material to ensure its quality.

What is a pellet used for?

Pellet is ideal for both heating and generating hot water, depending on the type of stove you have. In addition to its energy use, it is also suitable as bedding for certain animals, such as rabbits, hamsters or horses, thanks to its ability to absorb moisture and stay clean.

Pellet manufacturing process

The pellet is produced by mechanically compressing the sawdust, which results in small cylindrical pieces. The most interesting thing about this process is that no chemical compounds need to be added, since the wood contains a small amount of natural resin, sufficient to bind the particles and form the pellet. This makes it a completely ecological biofuel.

Pellet storage

It is essential to store the pellet correctly to ensure its durability and effectiveness. Normally, a silo or storage tank is used, designed to store a sufficient amount of pellets to supply the boiler for at least a year.

There are different types of storage silos, including:

- Textile silo: it has a perfect seal to protect the pellet.

- Underground silo: it is placed underground, near the boiler.

- Plastic silo: it is usually located outdoors and has a long useful life.

- Masonry silo: ideal if you need to store large quantities of pellets, as it is a room specially designed for this purpose.

Advantages of pellets

Pellet has a series of advantages that make it a very attractive option for those looking for an efficient and ecological source of energy:

- It provides constant thermal power, which guarantees stable performance.

- It is one of the cheapest fuels available on the market.

- Being 100% renewable, its use helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

- It does not produce unpleasant odours.

- It does not carry a risk of explosion, which makes it a safe option.

- Its manufacture encourages the cleaning of forests, contributing to sustainable forest management.

- If stored correctly, it has no expiration date, so it can be kept in perfect condition for a long time.

In short, pellets are an ecological, economical and efficient biofuel, which is not only beneficial for your pocket, but also for the environment. Its correct use and storage will allow you to enjoy a sustainable and safe source of energy.