0.2–0.3 T/H Millet Straw Pellet Mill in Ethiopia

Client Profile and Equipment Selection

The client operates within Ethiopia’s renewable energy sector, focusing on biomass fuel production from agricultural residues. The raw materials for this project include:

• Millet straw, collected directly from regional farms after harvest
• Occasional mixtures of sorghum straw and small quantities of wood chips from local woodworking facilities

Given the high fiber content and low bulk density of millet straw, RICHI recommended the MZLH320 millet straw pellet mill pelletizer for this project. This model is designed for fuel pellet production without conditioning, making it suitable for fibrous straw residues.

The client purchased two machines, which allows for simultaneous operation to increase overall production capacity while maintaining flexibility for maintenance or varying straw supply.

Raw Materials and Pelletization Process

The millet straw used in Ethiopia requires pre-processing to optimize pellet quality:

1. Shredding: Millet straw is chopped into 3–6 mm pieces to facilitate smooth feeding.
2. Drying: Straw moisture is reduced to around 10–12% to achieve dense and durable pellets.
3. Pelletizing: The MZLH320 compresses shredded straw into 5–8 mm diameter pellets, producing uniform, high-density pellets suitable for storage and transport.

These pellets are primarily used as renewable fuel for industrial boilers, small heating units, and rural household stoves, contributing to a reduction in fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Operational Advantages and Project Impact

The millet straw pellet mill pelletizers in Ethiopia provide several benefits:

• Efficient processing of fibrous straw materials, reducing waste
• Continuous feeding system to minimize downtime and material bridging
• Consistent pellet size and high energy density ensures optimal combustion efficiency
• Energy-efficient operation, lowering electricity costs per ton of pellets
• Flexibility in raw material handling, allowing mixtures of straw and wood residues

After several months of operation, the client reported improved pellet quality, higher operational efficiency, and the ability to utilize previously wasted millet straw, turning it into a valuable energy resource.

Shipping and Installation

The straw pellet making machines were shipped via sea freight to the Port of Djibouti, the primary port for industrial machinery imports into Ethiopia. RICHI Machinery provided comprehensive support, including:

• Pre-shipment testing to ensure performance under Ethiopian conditions
• On-site installation and commissioning
• Training for local operators on machine maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality control

This ensured the client could start production immediately and minimize operational risks associated with new equipment.

Technical Features and Versatility

The MZLH320 millet straw pellet mill in Ethiopia is a versatile, multi-purpose machine capable of processing:

• Millet straw
• Sorghum straw and other crop residues
• Small wood residues

Key technical advantages include:

• Arch-breaking feeder for continuous material flow
• Durable die and roller system for long-term operation
• Adjustable pellet diameter to meet various market requirements
• Compact design, ideal for single-unit operations and pilot-scale production

This flexibility allows clients to expand production gradually and adapt to seasonal changes in raw material supply.

Client Feedback

The client shared the following feedback after several months of use:

"The RICHI millet straw pellet mill pelletizers have been extremely reliable. The machines handle fibrous millet straw smoothly, and the pellets are uniform and dense. Installation and training were professional, and support has been excellent. We are now able to convert a significant portion of our straw waste into valuable biomass fuel."

This feedback reflects the practical reliability, high quality, and RICHI Machinery’s professional support.

Advancing Biomass Energy in Ethiopia

This biomass pellet project demonstrates the effectiveness of millet straw pellet mill pelletizers in Ethiopia in transforming agricultural residues into high-value biomass fuel pellets. Outcomes include:

• Sustainable use of millet straw and other crop residues
• High-density pellets suitable for industrial and domestic fuel use
• Energy-efficient and flexible operation
• Scalable solution for renewable energy production

With RICHI Machinery’s trusted equipment, expert installation, and full support, the client has enhanced productivity, improved pellet quality, and contributed to sustainable energy solutions in Ethiopia.