To dry cocoa pods for making biomass pellets, you can follow these steps:

Harvest the cocoa pods: Cocoa pods are the fruit of the cocoa tree. Wait until the pods are fully ripe before harvesting them. Ripe cocoa pods usually turn yellow or orange, depending on the variety.

Remove the cocoa beans: Use a machete or knife to carefully open the cocoa pods and remove the cocoa beans inside. The beans are the valuable part used to make chocolate.

Separate the husks: Separate the cocoa bean husks from the rest of the pod material. The husks are the outer covering of the cocoa beans and are the part used for making biomass pellets.

Spread the husks: Lay the cocoa bean husks out in a well-ventilated area. Ensure that the husks are spread out in a thin layer to allow for efficient drying.

Sun drying: Place the husks under direct sunlight and allow them to dry. It is essential to regularly turn and mix the husks during the drying process to ensure even drying. This process may take several days, depending on the weather conditions.

Monitor moisture content: To ensure that the cocoa husks are properly dried for pellet making, check the moisture content regularly. The ideal moisture content for biomass pellets is generally below 15%. You can use a moisture meter to determine the moisture level.

Store dried husks: Once the husks have reached the desired moisture content, store them in a dry and well-ventilated area. Make sure they are protected from moisture and pests until you are ready to process them into biomass pellets.

Pellet production: To convert the dried cocoa husks into biomass pellets, you will need a pellet mill or pelletizing machine. Follow the instructions provided with the equipment to produce the pellets. Typically, the husks are ground into a fine powder, and then the powder is compressed under high pressure to form pellets.