Extending the life of a briquetting machine depends on several factors such as proper maintenance, quality of the input material and optimal use of the equipment. To keep your machine running efficiently for as long as possible, follow these few important rules.
Regular maintenance and inspection
- Lubricating moving parts – Use recommended lubricants for bearings, hydraulic pistons and other moving components.
- Control of the hydraulic system — Monitor the condition of the hydraulic oil and, if necessary, replace it regularly. Hydraulic filters clean up impurities, so check and replace them regularly.
- Tightening of straps and chains — If they are free, there may be increased wear and reduced power.
Optimisation of input material
- Good moisture ratio – Too dry material can cause higher friction, while too wet can lead to congestion. The ideal moisture content of the wood chippings or sawdust is 8-12%.
- Material cleaning — Remove impurities, such as stones, metal particles or sand, which may damage the pressing components before briquetting.
Correct use of the machine
- Avoid long-term operation at maximum power — short-term overload may cause overheating of the engine and hydraulics.
- Postupné zahrievanie stroja – Ak je stroj dlhší čas neaktívny, nezaťažuj ho hneď na plný výkon, ale postupne ho rozbiehaj.
- Monitoring of sounds and vibrations — If unusual sounds or vibrations occur, this may signal a mechanical problem. An immediate check can prevent more damage.
Protection of the compression chamber and piston
- Use of hardwood cartridges – Consider the use of reusable cartridges to protect the chamber from excessive friction, if possible.
- Regular control of the piston — the wear of the piston can reduce the efficiency of the pressing and increase energy consumption.
Proper storage and environment
- Protect the machine from moisture and dust — If the machine is not in operation, it should be stored in a dry environment to prevent corrosion and damage to electrical components.
- Protection against freezing — Hydraulic oil may thicken at low temperatures, resulting in reduced efficiency. When operating in a cold environment, consider the use of oils with a lower viscosity.
Software diagnostics and upgrades
- Operation monitoring — If the machine has built-in sensors or the ability to connect to diagnostic software, monitor the performance parameters regularly.
- Upgrades of the control unit — New software versions can improve machine efficiency and optimise energy consumption.
