Physicochemical Properties of Briquettes from Different Feed Stock

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the Physico-chemical properties of eight different types of biomass feed stock and their briquettes were studied among that some properties which are influence their storage and combustion properties like Equilibrium moisture content (EMC %) and Relative humidity (%). Equilibrium moisture content are found out by static equilibrium technique using aqueous glycerol solutions of different concentrations in the relative humidity (RH) range of 40 to 90 % and at ambient temperature between 25 to 37 ºC. The Equilibrium moisture content of briquettes was lower than their feedstock by about 1 – 2.5 % in all the cases ranges from 40 to 70 % RH. At higher RH above 70%, the difference was between 2 - 4%. There was no change in the shape of the briquettes at all levels of RH. This was due to higher density of briquettes. This study showed during period of high humidity, the storage of briquettes will not create any problem and will be safer as compared to their feedstock.