Production of biochar briquettes from torrefaction of pine needles and its quality analysis

Abstract

Systematic use of pine needles of chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) for energy applications can fulfil the growing energy demand along with prevent forest fires. In the present study, the transformation of pine needles into biochar and subsequently into briquettes is reported. The biochar is produced from torrefaction by optimizing parameters such as temperature, CO2 flow rate and heating rate to maximize the yield of biochar. The maximum biochar yield of 44.19 % is found. The biochar having the highest calorific value (27.73 MJ/kg) is used for preparing briquettes. Several binders namely animal fat, molasses, bentonite powder and starch are investigated in five different ratios (1 % to 20 %) to increase the adhesiveness of briquettes. The briquette with 20 wt% animal fat has the best quality among all briquettes and has a density of 462.24 kg/m3 and a calorific value of 31.17 MJ/kg when compared to other binders in varied ratios.