Modification of commercial briquetting machine to produce 35mm diameter briquettes suitable for gasification and combustion

This paper describes an experience on producing 35mm dia briquettes with a modified commercial briquetting machine and the results of studies on the combustion and gasification behavior of briquettes. Study reveals that at 12% (w.b.) moisture content of groundnut shell powder (1180–150μm), good quality briquettes can be made, but it reduces the production rate and increases the power requirement. Combustion as well as gasification studies revealed that biomass briquettes of 35mm diameter do not crumble or disintegrate during the conversion process, therefore these are suitable as feedstock for gasifiers.