Pellet stability question

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ohbix

Burning Hunk
Feb 13, 2009
227
OH
I have a question regarding long term pellet integrity. I store pellets in a wooden yard shed. Even w/ vents, it reaches 110 deg F in the summer. Last summer's pellets are fine, but would long term exposure to high temps thru two summers result in pellets starting to crumble? I am guessing that pressure/heat is used to bind the sawdust into pellets.

I ask because the local supplier has dropped price to $192/ton ($225 last year) and if I stock up, I won't be able to reach the last two tons of this season's cache.

Thanks!
 
Great question....Dry pellets are happy pellets and I think the temperatures involved with the original pressings are much greater than the shed temps you are seeing. I have shed pellets that went through 1 hot summer with no ill effects.

However, I'm no expert and would like to hear from some of the retailers/wholesalers.
 
ohbix said:
I have a question regarding long term pellet integrity. I store pellets in a wooden yard shed. Even w/ vents, it reaches 110 deg F in the summer. Last summer's pellets are fine, but would long term exposure to high temps thru two summers result in pellets starting to crumble? I am guessing that pressure/heat is used to bind the sawdust into pellets.

I ask because the local supplier has dropped price to $192/ton ($225 last year) and if I stock up, I won't be able to reach the last two tons of this season's cache.

Thanks!

I don't have an answer to your question, but I am very curious where in OH you are getting pellets for $192. I wouldn't mind stocking up at that price, if it is relatively close to me.
 
High quality wood pellets have a moisture content of 3 to 7% and are hydrofilic and therefore sensitive to water droplets. Wood pellets are extruded at around 200F and 45,000 PSI.The shiny surface of the pellets is caused by partial plasticizing of the lignin in the wood due to high pressure and the evaporation of terpenes during the production process. The surface protects the pellets from absorbing any significant amount of airborne water vapor under normal atmospheric conditions. However, wood pellets have to be protected from direct water penetration. If exposed to water droplets, from for example condensation, the pellets will gradually decompose and loose their effectiveness as a fuel. The decomposition involves expanded volume and over time a gradual chemical breakdown which will cause the pellets to crumble and fall apart. Keep them dry and the will last indefinitely.
 
When I read the thread title I had a flashback to last year, towing a ton of pellets home on my new trailer, having the stack tip over on the trailer about a mile from home, but somehow I managed to not get any bags ripped open as I pulled over to the side of the road, bags spilling over out onto the side of the road.

Turns out this thread is not about the stability of a ton of pellets on a utility trailer. :-S

I now strap the pellets down when I pick up a ton. :)
 
Thanks everyone for your input. The first new ton is in the shed; more tomorrow. The remaining spring 2009 pellets are going to experience hot summer number 2. Re transporting them, I have a 1 ton p/u, but if the stack isn't exactly square on top, it can get interesting after a few miles on hilly winding roads.

GarryP - I'm in NE OH; 200 plus mi from Cincy.
 
ohbix said:
....... Re transporting them, I have a 1 ton p/u, but if the stack isn't exactly square on top, it can get interesting after a few miles on hilly winding roads.........I'm in NE OH; 200 plus mi from Cincy.

Where are you getting your pellets? Kinsman Stove in Kinsman Ohio can't be too far from you. His pellets (ProPellets) are all kept indoors.

BTW, 2-3 of these are handy to have around when putting things in the truck that you don't want to move:

www.amazon.com/Pacific-Cargo-Control-1050-15-VS-Ratchet/dp/B002Y497SG
 
ohbix said:
Thanks everyone for your input. The first new ton is in the shed; more tomorrow. The remaining spring 2009 pellets are going to experience hot summer number 2. Re transporting them, I have a 1 ton p/u, but if the stack isn't exactly square on top, it can get interesting after a few miles on hilly winding roads.

GarryP - I'm in NE OH; 200 plus mi from Cincy.

I know it is a pain but can't you move the older pellets out of the shed first and put them on top when you are finished stacking the new pellets? Why take the risk?
 
JoeS said:
ohbix said:
Thanks everyone for your input. The first new ton is in the shed; more tomorrow. The remaining spring 2009 pellets are going to experience hot summer number 2. Re transporting them, I have a 1 ton p/u, but if the stack isn't exactly square on top, it can get interesting after a few miles on hilly winding roads.

GarryP - I'm in NE OH; 200 plus mi from Cincy.

I know it is a pain but can't you move the older pellets out of the shed first and put them on top when you are finished stacking the new pellets? Why take the risk?

was thinking the same thing....it can be a PIA but rotating the stock will eliminate the worry about summer #2
 
Thanks Macman. Spoke to Eric (Kinsman Stoves) two years ago re: purchasing pellets. He's an hr away, and the cost of renting a trailer made the endeavor too $$. Definitely the Guy To Go To if and when I purchase another stove - he REALLY cares about his customers!

Just my opinion, moving the current pellets twice (out then back into the shed) in order to put the newer ones in the back, negates the cost saving. Next winter if you see a posting offering two tons of sawdust, you'll have your answer! Thanks again everyone for your input.
 
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