Manual wooden low-pressure briquetting press: An alternative technology of waste biomass utilisation in developing countries of Southeast Asia

Abstract

Although briquetting is an appropriate technology for the production of renewable energy, its widespreadness in Southeast Asia is limited. Especially due to the high initial investments and energy consumption of a high-pressure briquetting press. However, manual low-pressure briquetting presses (operating pressure <5 MPa) can represent a relevant alternative, regarding to their ease of use and modest energy consumption. The aim of the present research was to develop and verify a manual wooden low pressure briquetting press with a square-shaped pressing chamber, piston and a single lever as a pressing unit. In practice, press was designed, manufactured, and verified by successful bio-briquette samples production. Four different feedstock mixtures were prepared from coconut mesocarp fibre (CF), bamboo skin (BS), pineapple leaves (PL), sugarcane bagasse (SB); each mixed with external binding agent (wastepaper) in biomass:binder ratios of 1:1 and 2:1. The achieved bulk density ρ ranged from 204.30 ± 15.73 kg m−3 for 1:1 feedstock mixtures and 199.31 ± 23.13 kg m−3 for 2:1 feedstock mixtures. The press efficiency, feasibility and practicability were positively evaluated within their possible utilisation in rural areas of developing countries. The importance of research increases constantly due to the worldwide need for a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, proper waste management, and reduction of environmental and health risks related to improper treatment of waste materials. The final idea of the article contributes to the development of the sector of clean green energy production, simultaneously with raising awareness about sustainable technologies for proper waste management within the wide public.