The spray system on a disc pelletizer is critical to the success of the overall agglomeration process. The spray system dispenses the binding agent onto the material fines as the disc rotates. If not properly maintained, product quality can be easily affected, and process upsets are possible. Luckily, this can be avoided through periodic inspection and an occasional cleaning of the spray tip.
Checking the spray pattern of each nozzle can help indicate when it is time for a cleaning; if the pattern is not as it should be, it is usually a result of material being splashed on the nozzle head and blocking some of the orifices. Consult your manufacturer’s disc pelletizer maintenance manual for specifics on cleaning the nozzle, as certain cleaners may work against or more efficiently with the nozzle’s material of construction, and in conjunction with the binding agent and process material. After cleaning the material from the orifices, a normal pattern should return. If the nozzle head is dented or bent, replace the damaged nozzle with a new one.
For more information on disc pelletizer maintenance, read our blog post Best Practices for Maintaining your Pelletizer or contact a FEECO Service Technician today!