Factors affecting densification of agricultural residues - An overview

Agricultural residues often discarded or burned as wastes, occur in large amounts and have the potential to be an important source of fuel for many people, especially those in rural areas. However, these residues in their natural form could not be effectively and efficiently utilized. Therefore, this study investigated those factors that may affect densification characteristics of agricultural residues.

Various factors and variables affecting densification of agricultural residues were identified. Prominent among these factors were particle size, moisture content, temperature of the biomass feedstock as well as the temperature of the die. Other factors were external additives, densification pressure and retention or hold time. Included in the cluster were composition of biomass, use of binder and the pre-heating of biomass feedstock.

The study concluded that all the factors and variables examined had to certain extent significant effects on the densification of agricultural residues and there exists optimum or threshold value for each feedstock to produce high briquette density and strength.