Pallet, Crate and Wood Packaging Recovery
Wood recyclers and waste managers receive constant volumes of pallets, crates and packaging. The PNRS prohibits uncontrolled burning and requires proper disposal. The two main markets are energy biomass (boilers, cogeneration) and chips for reconstituted panel manufacturers (chipboard, MDF, MDP).
The challenge: packaging wood and pallets contain nails, screws, staples and hardware that must be removed to meet boiler specifications (< 0.1% metals) and panel factories. This requires two-stage shredding with intermediate magnetic extraction.
Process
- Reception and sorting — Pallets, crates and packaging from industries, logistics operators and generators. Separation of non-processable materials (plastics, metal straps, films).
- Primary shredding — PR4000 or PR5000 — Whole pallets fed directly. Blades with Hardox inserts resist nails and screws. Clutch and automatic reverse. Output: 50-200 mm.
- Ferrous metal extraction — Magnetic separator removes nails, screws, staples and wires. Clean biomass meets < 0.1% metals specification. Recovered ferrous metals sold separately.
- Secondary shredding — RAPTOR 3000 — For energy biomass, panels or poultry bedding, 20-120 mm particle size in a single pass with integrated screen. Three rotor options for material adjustment.
- Particle size classification — Disc Classifier
| Fraction | Particle Size | End Use | Indicative Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | < 20 mm | Panel manufacturers (chipboard, MDF, MDP), poultry bedding | R$ 150-250/ton |
| Medium | 20-80 mm | Energy biomass, mulch, RDF | R$ 100-200/ton |
| Coarse | > 80 mm | Return to RAPTOR | — |
Without classification, mixed chips are worth 30-50% less.
- Drying (optional) — For energy biomass, natural or forced drying reduces moisture to 15-20%, maximizing NCV (3,500-4,500 kcal/kg).
Equipment
| Equipment | Power | Capacity | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR4000 | 300 hp | Up to 20 ton/h | Primary shredding |
| PR5000 | 400 hp | Up to 30 ton/h | Primary shredding |
| RAPTOR 3000 | 200-400 hp | Up to 30 ton/h | Final particle size (20-120 mm) |
| Disc Classifier CDD | 5-15 kW | 5-15 ton/h | Separation into 2-3 fractions |
| Magnetic extractor | 0 kW (magnets) | Continuous | Ferrous removal |
Operator Profile
- Wood recyclers receiving pallets, crates and packaging that need to produce classified chips for biomass or panels.
- Industrial waste managers with wood as a significant fraction.
- Reconstituted panel manufacturers seeking recycled wood chips with controlled particle size and low metal content.
- Industrial boiler operators using wood biomass as renewable fuel.
