The blade is the most worn part on the pelletizer, in many cases, the most expensive part to maintain. The speed at which the blade dulls depends on the amount of material processed by the pelletizer, the type of material entering the pelletizer, and the type of performance.
Here are some of the most common questions (and answers) about maintaining pelletizer blades, along with troubleshooting tips.
What happens if the blade becomes dull or improperly spaced?
- Uneven cutting and dusty
- Throughput rates may decrease
- Make a noise
- Increased energy consumption
- Heat increases when the material is not cut correctly
- Premature failure of connected equipment (motors, belts, tensioners, etc.).
Is it worthwhile to visually inspect fixed and rotating blades?
Yes; It’s worth doing this as part of a regular preventative maintenance program, so it’s quickly clear how often the blade needs to be sharpened.
Timing helps keep track of the blade’s preventative maintenance schedule, with regular inspections and maintenance by trained personnel recommended in order to detect and eliminate problems early and minimize downtime and more serious issues.
How do we adjust blade clearance, regrind or replace?
By far dull blades is the most common problem in pelletizers. Having a spare set of blades for each pelletizer on the shelf prevents extended downtime while waiting for blades to be reworked or replaced.
Improper blade clearance: If the blade is sharp but the quality of the pellets after heavy grinding is still not ideal, check that the blade clearance is not out of tolerance. Clearance refers to the space between the moving knife and the fixed knife; The recommended range for different granulator models is 0.2 to 0.3 mm. Clearance adjustment should be a priority for every preventative maintenance program.
Blade Replacement: The Blade Gap Pre-Adjustment Fixture allows for a set of pre-cleared blades that have not been installed in the cutting chamber. This ensures quick and easy replacement and also prevents potential injuries when the blade is opened directly inside the pelletizer.
Adjustable rotating blade for increased durability. Each blade can be sharpened individually as needed – not just the most worn blades. After replacing the blades, the rotor should be turned manually to ensure that there is an appropriate gap between the fixed and rotating blades before starting the device.
Blade regrinding: Carefully follow the sharpening instructions in the operator’s manual or seek the help of a professional tool manufacturer and grinder.
Screen: If the granulator is not properly maintained, the space between the screen and the cutting edge will increase, resulting in a decrease in output or a blocked screen. Clogging leads to downtime and pelletizer cleaning, which reduces output. The screen die itself can also wear out; The round hole gradually gets larger, resulting in uneven particles. Watch the mold holes regularly, and if they start to take on a pear shape, it may be time to replace the die head and screen.
