Pilot Plants

Helping you find the best solution

The feed used for briquetting comes from various different origins, or from special and sometimes unique processes. This means that significant property fluctuations may arise even when similar materials (in terms of chemical analysis) are involved.

To counteract this effect, initial tentative trials can be conducted with small volumes, using a piston press. Suitable binder combinations can also be examined and pressing force requirements determined. In fact, it is generally recommended that equipment and plant design are verified through subsequent trials on a roller press.

For this purpose, Köppern has developed laboratory test methods in cooperation with the university of Freiberg in Germany. Little material is required to perform such tests. Results collected over a number of years provide excellent data for evaluating the suitability of materials for processing.

To establish the final design and layout of an operating system, further trials with larger amounts of materials need to be carried out. For this purpose, two industrial-scale briquetting machines (1,000 and 650 mm diameters) are available at Köppern’s main pilot plant in Freiberg. Test work can also be carried out at Köppern’s facility at Charlotte in the USA.

Depending on the test material, these pilot presses can be equipped with different feeding Systems and roller surfaces. They have variable drives and are connected to the central operating data collection system to facilitate the preparation of test reports. Mixers, crushers, screens and further peripheral devices are also available.

Such trials aim to:

  •  optimize feed characteristics (blend, binder, moisture, recycle etc.)
  •  determine briquetting parameters such as torque, pressing force, speed
  •  select suitable feeder equipment
  •  determine product parameters such as output, density, strength properties
  •  examine recycling potentials
  •  select additional equipment (e.g. crushers, screens).

For the benefit of our customers, data from the laboratory and pilot plant are continually updated in line with our field experience.