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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

• 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

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.