Storage
Seven Quick Top Tips For the construction and location of your pellet storage facility!
1. Floor and Walls of Your Pellet Store
Both the walls and floor of your pellet store should be dry all year round, if there is a temporary risk of moisture in your store then it is advised that your pellets are stored elsewhere. The walls, floor and ceiling of your pellet store must not be at risk of crumbling, or be finished with any preparation that may cause contamination.
2. Installations within your pellet store
All installations such as electrical cords, pipes etc in your storage room that cannot be removed must be covered with a deflection shield made of sheet metal. Electrical installations such as switches and lights should not be in your pellet store room.
3. Filling Pipe and Connector
Your filling connector pipe should be earthed to prevent electrostatic charges and should be made of metal. Any pipes should have a smooth interior to protect the pellets, there should be as little and as loose bends as possible, with the pellets entering the store from a straight piece of pipe. Both the end covers should be closed with a suitable lid after filling. Safety stickers are recommended on the filling connectors, “Warning: Switch off installation before filling.” The pipe should be fitted with a 110mm Storz connector.
4. House Connection Box
It is advised that a house connection box is installed containing the power outlet for the exhaust ventilator of the pellet supplier. If the box has a door switch that can disconnect the boiler, then it helps to stop smoke being drawn from the boiler by the exhaust ventilator. It is recommended to test this switch.
5. Impact Protection Mat
Impact protection mats can be added to your pellet store to prevent damage to your pellets and your store when it is being filled. They are best situated at a right angle on the opposite wall from where the pellets are being blown from. The mat should be made from material that is rip and wear resistant, it should be approx 1-3mm thick and should be tested after the first fill to make sure it is functioning properly.
6. Storage Room Features
To make sure your pellet store remains moisture and dust free your door/hatch must be sealed all the way round with any locks/handles also sealed. It is recommended that the door has protective wooden boards on the inside, and if possible the door should be situated on the same side as the pellets are being blown from otherwise the pellets will build up against the door. An inclined base is advised as it can help to make sure the silo will be emptied completely. The inclined base should be attached to the walls, have smooth surfaces, be able to cope with the weight of the pellets and be suitable for the outfeed system.
7. Access to Storage Room
If blown delivery of pellets is needed then there must be suitable access for large vehicles to do so. We would recommend that you have a distance of no more than 15 metres between your hopper and the road for the pellets to be blown over. Blowing over greater distances is possible but Puffin will insist that a disclaimer is signed for any deliveries to be blown farther than 20m due to the greater risk of damage to the pellets. Your pellet store should also be accessible for any maintenance and cleaning work.