Characteristics of binderless palm biomass briquettes with various particle sizes

Abstract

The physical and combustion characteristics of binderless palm biomass briquettes were investigated experimentally for various particle sizes and heating temperatures (150-210℃). In this study, empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibres were used as a raw material. They were grounded and sieved into three different sizes; i) <300 μm(small size), ii) 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm (medium size) and iii) 1.0 mm to 3.9 mm (large size). As a result, all particle sizes are possible to be used for making binderless briquette since the reliable compressive strength can be obtained. All the values of compressive strength are sufficiently high to resist mechanical disintegration. In addition, all calorific values are found to be very close to the minimum requirement for making commercial briquette, based on standard DIN51731 (17500 kJ/kg). Meanwhile, the moisture and ash content of the briquettes produced are found to be very competitive with the values belonging to a widely used local briquette. Based on the experimental results, it can be said that the best quality of 100% EFB briquette can be achieved when small particle size is used and the briquetting process is performed at the highest heating temperature.