Mechanical characterization of spent- coffee-grounds briquettes

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the manufacture of briquettes by mixing spent coffee grounds (SCG) and recycled newsprint (RNP), with some established compositions. Hollow cylindrical briquettes were used as samples for mechanical characterization for the research project "Characterization of type 2 biomass briquettes as solid fuel alternative to firewood and coal in kitchens, restaurants and small businesses, based on the Colombian Technical Standard 2060" carried out at the University of America in Bogotá, Colombia. Initially, the process of design and construction of a Peterson type press for the manufacture of briquettes was carried out. A universal testing machine was used for the mechanical compression tests. The shatter resistance was evaluated by launching the samples in free-fall from a height of 1 m several times until they got broken. Finally, and the abrasion resistance was measured using a ball-mill adapted to the proposed briquette size. All these tests were carried out to identify which of the proposed briquettes compositions has suitable mechanical properties to keep the shape, size and density in the actual processes of transport, handling and storage.