Design, Finite Element Analysis and Fabrication of a Laboratory Scale Biomass Pelletizer
R. I. Ismail, C. Y. Khor, A. R. Mohamed, M. N. S. Zaimi, M. R. Jamalludin, L. Y. Lee, N. L. Makhtar, N. Abdul Razak, W. N. A. Wan Draman
Abstract. Prior to commencing the fabrication process, it is imperative to address several crucial components, which encompass the identification of purpose, precise design, and detailed analysis. The main focus of this project is to develop a machine that can efficiently convert biomass into compressed pellets. The design phase was conducted with great attention to detail using the Solidworks software. Following this, the stress and displacement analysis specifically concentrated on the important machine components, utilising the capabilities of the Abaqus software. The machine consists of six essential components, including a motor, an iron frame, a pelletizer, a pulley and belting system, and a U clip. The operational procedure encompasses the initial step of introducing biomass into the pelletizer. Within the pelletizer machine, a screw mechanism is employed to propel the biomass towards the plate die. The initiation of motion in this screw mechanism is achieved through the utilisation of an electric motor, which is helped by a network of interconnected pulleys and belting. By employing a pulley ratio of 1:2, the rotational velocity of the screw shaft is effectively reduced by half compared to that of the motor, hence enhancing the efficiency of the pelletization procedure. This pelletizer machine effectively achieves three crucial objectives: the development of a comprehensive design and its subsequent manufacturing, a finite element analysis of stress and displacement characteristics.
Keywords
Biomass Pelletizer, Finite Element Analysis, Screw Mechanism
Published online 7/15/2026, 9 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: R. I. Ismail, C. Y. Khor, A. R. Mohamed, M. N. S. Zaimi, M. R. Jamalludin, L. Y. Lee, N. L. Makhtar, N. Abdul Razak, W. N. A. Wan Draman, Design, Finite Element Analysis and Fabrication of a Laboratory Scale Biomass Pelletizer, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 68, pp 299-307, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904237-40
The article was published as article 40 of the book Green Materials, Processing & Characterization
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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