Importance of Seasonal Planning for Pellet Plants

Running a pellet plant 24/7 requires a constant supply of raw materials, a task made challenging by the seasonal availability of wood and biomass. To ensure uninterrupted operations and meet financial commitments, it's crucial to strategically buy and store raw materials during the harvest season. This guide outlines the best practices for preparing your pellet plant for the monsoon season, ensuring you maintain a steady production flow and capitalize on market opportunities.

Strategic Buying and Storage of Raw Materials

  1. Seasonal Buying: The price of biomass and wood raw materials is lowest during the harvest season when farms are actively harvesting. This is the ideal time to purchase and stockpile raw materials for future use, especially with the monsoon season in mind.
  2. Moisture Reduction: Storing raw materials bought during the dry season allows them to lose excess moisture naturally by reacting with the atmosphere. This is particularly important as materials available during the monsoon are typically higher in moisture content.
  3. Stock Maintenance: To maintain continuity in production, ensure you have enough stock to last for at least 2 to 3 months. Adequate storage facilities must be prepared in advance to accommodate this stockpile.
Rice Straw Covered with Tarp

Storage Solutions for Biomass Raw Materials

  1. Dome Type Storage:
  2. Structure: A dome-shaped roof with side coverings and proper flooring.
  3. Benefits: Protects materials from moisture absorption from the ground and precipitation.
  4. Cost: Higher initial investment but offers better protection and longevity.
  5. Open Land Storage:
  6. Structure: Raw materials stored in open land covered with tarpaulin on top and bottom.
  7. Benefits: Cost-effective solution for short-term storage.
  8. Limitations: Requires regular checks to ensure tarpaulins are intact and no moisture is seeping through.


Handling Finished Pellets During Monsoon

  1. Price Advantage: The price of finished pellets generally increases during the monsoon season due to scarcity. Storing pellets produced during the dry season can yield better returns when sold during the monsoon.
  2. Storage Method:
  3. Godown Storage: Store finished pellets in a roof-covered godown to protect them from moisture.
  4. Piling: Pellets can be piled up to 10 meters in height, optimizing space utilization. One square meter of godown space can hold 6 to 7 tonnes of pellet bags.
  5. Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the storage area to prevent mold growth and maintain pellet quality.


By following these guidelines, you can ensure your pellet plant remains productive and profitable, even during challenging weather conditions. Proper planning and storage solutions will not only maintain a steady supply of raw materials but also help in maximizing the quality and value of your finished pellets.