High capacity eucalyptus and acacia bark processing

Multiple rotary de-barking lines create large volumes of bark and wood waste at capacities up to 350 cubic meters per hour. Existing wood waste machinery could not keep up with the volume and was prone to plug-up and high maintenance. On top of that – it was important to configure a system that would easily integrate with existing machinery, provide metal detection with non-stop bypass and improve fuel quality.

The solution

WSM (West Salem Machinery) suggests their high capacity 5472 bark crusher with interchangeable tooling package and special high-flow screen grates, combined with WSM engineering services to assist in overall layout and supply of conveying machinery to ensure proper infeed and discharge to the bark crusher and allow for easy integration into the existing process.

The benefits

• Confirmed production rates with ability to handle surge conditions

• New tooling package delivers 50 percent more through-put

• Increased fuel bulk density by approximately 15 percent

• Higher up-time – ability to schedule maintenance and lower cost per ton of production

Difficult feedstock requires a new and better solution

High capacity bark processing: Large pulp and paper mills have often struggled with difficult and stringy barks. A customer came to WSM in 2018 to help them solve a new challenge – eucalyptus bark. Having made the decision to switch from acacia to eucalyptus fiber for the paper making process, they quickly found that the eucalyptus bark was proving more difficult to process due to its more fibrous and stringy characteristics. Specifically, two major issues needed to be solved: 1) processing capacity was down as the residency time for the eucalyptus bark in the grinder had increased, and 2) bulk density of the resulting fuel product was lower compared to acacia bark, causing a problem with their power boiler.

Once again, WSM engineers took on the challenge. The customer sent a sample of eucalyptus bark to WSM for testing at their test center in Salem, OR. After a full day of testing and analysis, WSM engineers started working on a solution.

WSM engineers accept the challenge

To increase cutting action, WSM designed a brand new, heavy-duty hybrid hammer body that could be installed on the customer’s existing rotor.

The talented engineering team at WSM set out to design an all-new tooling package for the customer’s eucalyptus shredding application. Their goal was to increase the cutting action of the hammers while allowing shredded fiber to exit the machine more quickly.

WSM expedited the engineering and production of the new tooling package for the customer, knowing that they needed a solution quickly in order to keep their power boiler running.

Onsite testing in Indonesia and results

WSM sent its lead engineer to Indonesia to be onsite for the tooling modification and testing process. Along with the newly designed hammers, two different sizing options utilizing the new screen design were trialed in various combinations until the desired end product sizing was achieved and the customer was satisfied with the result.

Using the new tooling package resulted in a production capacity increase of approximately 50 percent and increased shredded bark density by approximately 15 percent compared to the original tooling.

Put WSM’s testing facility to work for you

At WSM’s size reduction and screening test facility in Salem, OR, customers and prospective customers can have feedstock tested. The testing and refining of processes (and sometimes equipment) often result in improving the customers’ operations or helping them make informed and confident machine purchases.

Whether your business involves green or dry wood fiber preparation, biomass fuel preparation, fiber prep for pellets, briquettes or co-firing, converting ag-residuals for biofuels, mulch processing, animal bedding or other fine-grind materials – WSM’s lab can simulate various size production settings and volumes as well as provide detailed screen analysis. Depending on the amount of detail required, WSM can supply complete reporting, including sieve analysis and energy usage.

The test facility is equipped with a horizontal grinder, primary shredder, high-speed hammermill, full air discharge capabilities, disc screen, oscillating screen and screening equipment for sieve analysis. One of its key features is a variable frequency drive system, allowing machines to be run at different speeds to simulate different operating conditions.

WSM invites those interested to come see the testing in person and tour the plant or they will film the test. Either way, you’ll get WSM’s expert analysis and recommendations on the type and size of equipment that will get the results you need.

With the most complete line of mill-duty grinding and screening equipment on the market and the most experienced team in the business, you can be certain you’re making the right choice for your business. Contact the experts at WSM at 800•722•3530, www.westsalem.com or info@westsalem.com.