0.3–0.5 T/H Rice Husk Pellet Making Machine in Laos

Why the Customer Purchased a Single Machine

The rice mill owner emphasized that starting small was the smartest choice. Instead of investing in a full pellet production line with dryer, crusher, and packaging system, the owner bought only a standalone rice husk pellet press. The reasons were practical:

• Moderate Scale: As a mid-sized family business, they did not have unlimited funds. A single unit allowed them to begin pellet production with a much lower investment.
• Testing the Market: Although there is demand for biomass fuel in Laos, the owner wanted to confirm that local factories and small boiler operators would consistently buy pellets before scaling up.
• Utilization of Own Husks: Since the rice mill produces its own raw material, there was no need to worry about husk supply. A single rice husk pellet machine in Laos was enough to process part of their daily husk output into pellets while still leaving some for other uses.
• Low Risk: Purchasing a pelletizer alone meant that if demand did not meet expectations, the machine could still be used internally to provide fuel for the rice mill’s own drying system, reducing fuel costs.

Raw Materials and Pellet Size

The customer mainly uses pure rice husk from their milling operation. Laos has abundant husks that are dry and lightweight, making them suitable for pelletizing. Occasionally, the customer blends about 5% sawdust from nearby carpentry workshops, which improves binding and increases calorific value. However, most batches are 100% husk pellets.

The pellets are manufactured in 6mm diameter because this size is popular for both domestic boilers and small industrial furnaces in Laos. For potential cross-border sales, 6mm pellets also meet standard requirements in Thailand and Vietnam.

Equipment Selection: Model and Parameters

After technical discussions with RICHI engineers, the customer selected the MZLH350 rice husk pellet making machine. The choice was carefully matched to the rice mill’s capacity and electricity availability:

This capacity perfectly suits a medium rice mill in Laos. On a daily shift of 8 hours, the pelletizer can produce 2.5–4 tons of rice husk pellets. That is enough to supply several local buyers without oversizing the investment.

Transportation and Delivery

Laos is landlocked, so importing large equipment requires shipping to a nearby port in a neighboring country. RICHI Machinery arranged sea transportation to Laem Chabang Port in Thailand, which is the nearest major international port commonly used for goods destined for Laos. From there, the pellet machine was transported by truck across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge into Laos.

RICHI’s logistics team handled all customs procedures, ensuring smooth and timely delivery. The machine arrived in Savannakhet province without complications, and the rice mill prepared a small production area to install it.

Application of Rice Husk Pellets

The rice husk pellets in Laos are mainly sold as fuel. Buyers include:

• Local brick kilns: Traditionally using wood or coal, they are now turning to pellets for cleaner combustion.
• Small factories: Garment workshops, food processors, and rice noodle producers use biomass boilers that can burn 6mm pellets.
• Own rice mill: Some of the pellets are consumed internally, fueling the drying system during rice processing, which reduces costs.

RICHI’s Support and Services

RICHI Machinery was not only the equipment supplier but also a trusted partner in the project. Services provided included:

• Model Recommendation: Matching the MZLH350 rice husk pellet press to the customer’s production scale and local conditions.
• Shipping Arrangement: Coordinating transport through Thailand into Laos.
• Installation Support: Remote technical guidance ensured the rice mill owner’s team could assemble and commission the machine without delays.
• Training: RICHI provided instructions on how to adjust feeding speed, maintain pressure, and achieve uniform pellet density.
• After-Sales Supply: Spare ring dies and roller parts were recommended for stock to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Why RICHI Rice Husk Pellet Mill in Laos?

For this customer, the main reasons to trust RICHI were:

• Proven Experience: RICHI has supplied rice husk pellet mills across Asia, from Vietnam to Thailand, and understood Laos’ situation.
• Durability: Rice husk is abrasive, but RICHI’s machines are built with wear-resistant ring dies and rollers.
• Efficiency: The pelletizer delivers stable capacity with moderate power consumption, crucial in rural Laos.
• Scalability: If the rice mill expands, additional machines or a complete line can be integrated with ease.

Future Expansion Plans

Encouraged by initial results, the rice mill is considering scaling up. Possible next steps include:

• Adding a dryer system to expand production during rainy season when husks are damp.
• Installing a pellet cooling and packaging unit to improve storage and sales presentation.
• Exploring export opportunities to Vietnam, where demand for rice husk pellets is growing due to biomass power projects.

If pellet sales continue to grow steadily, the rice mill owner has plans to upgrade to an MZLH420 rice husk pelletizer in Laos, which offers 1.0–1.2 T/H capacity.

Conclusion

This project shows how even a medium-sized rice mill in a landlocked country like Laos can successfully turn agricultural byproducts into valuable fuel with the right equipment. By starting with a single rice husk pellet making machine in Laos, the owner has minimized risk, created a new business opportunity, and contributed to cleaner energy usage in the local community.

RICHI Machinery is proud to support such initiatives by providing durable equipment, professional advice, and reliable after-sales service. For businesses in Laos and similar regions, this case demonstrates that rice husk pellet production is not just for large corporations—it is also a practical and profitable option for family-run enterprises.