Effect of densification variables on density of corn cob briquettes produced using a uniaxial compaction biomass briquetting press

Abstract

Densification of loose biomass improves its properties for use as fuels. To design efficient briquetting equipment, there is a need to study properties of briquettes under different conditions. In this study, the effects of process variables (pressure, temperature, and hold time) and a material variable (particle size) on the density of corn cob briquettes were investigated. It was discovered that increasing the pressure, temperature, and particle size had positive effects on the density of biomass briquettes. The density of biomass briquettes produced using the selected values of pressure (9, 12, and 15 MPa), temperature (90°C and 120°C), hold time (7.5 and 15 min), and particle size (<2.5 mm and >2.5 mm) ranged between 570 and 1300 kg/m3.