Physicochemical and mechanical properties of biomass coal briquettes produced by artisanal method

Abstract

In this study, carbonized peanut shells, cashew shells and millet stalks were used as raw materials to produce coal briquettes. Clay and arabic gum were applied as binders during briquetting by use of manual press. Physicochemical and mechanical tests of the obtained briquettes were conducted. The results show that the lower heating values of coal briquettes remain higher to that of wood; however, their ash contents are very high compared to wood. Combustion of coal briquettes samples show also that coal briquettes of peanut shells, cashew shells, and millet stalks ignite respectively at 312, 202.5 and 150.5°C. Bulk densities of these briquettes are respectively 543, 765 and 579 kg/m 3. Briquette made with arabic gum presents mechanical compressive strength above 1 MPa.

Development of a Multiple-Piston Hydraulic Briquetting Press HBP and Characterization of Newsprint Briquettes Produced

“…Densification employs agglomeration technologies for the conversion of loose agro-forest residues under the action of external forces into solid fuels 12 . Briquetting technology is no longer new to biofuel development technology in Africa, however, it is advanced in Asia, America and Europe 13 and the type of briquetting technology employed is significant to the efficient use of biomass in high-energy applications to produce higher calorific value products [14][15][16] . According to the extent of pressure application, briquetting is classified either as high-pressure or low-pressure compaction, principally, governed by two processes; binder and binderless briquetting processes 17 .…”