Design and Development of a Cost-Effective Semi-Automatic Biomass Briquetting Machine for Small-Scale Applications

Abstract

This study shows that thecomparison between Hand operated briquetting machine and Briquetting Machine in Bio coal Industry.Briquetting presents a practical solution for turning agricultural waste into clean, efficient energy for rural and suburban communities. To address this need, we developed an accessible, user-friendly briquetting machine that can be locally manufactured. This machine is low-cost, has a small capacity, and operates under low pressure, making it ideal for meeting the domestic energy needs in rural households. The machine we created underwent testing with different combinations of agricultural residues. We explored various mixes and proportions of raw material briquettes, evaluating the thermal and physical properties of the resulting briquettes. We designed the machine to be low-cost and easy to operate.

Introduction

Biomass briquetting, a process of compressing agricultural and organic waste into solid fuel briquettes, is a growing energy solution in Africa but is well-established in Asia, America, and Europe. Key factors for successful biomass briquetting include raw material availability, appropriate technology, and a viable market. Briquetting machines vary by pressing mechanisms (piston, screw, roller, etc.), producing briquettes of different shapes and qualities. Bio-coal briquettes mix coal with biomass and additives for durability, though biomass briquettes using agricultural residues like rice husks and straw are preferred to reduce harmful emissions.

Briquettes serve as efficient, compact fuels for heating and cooking, addressing rising energy demands and reducing agricultural waste. The briquetting industry provides economic opportunities, especially in rural areas, through affordable, locally sourced production.

Two main types of briquetting machines are discussed:

• ArgoWaste Three Phase Fully Automatic Machine: High capacity (1000 kg/hr), suitable for large-scale production but costly and requiring significant energy, space, and maintenance.

• Semi-Automatic Briquetting Machine: Affordable (~?8,500), lower capacity (5 kg/hr), ideal for small-scale use by individuals or small enterprises, but slower and less suited for industrial output.

The semi-automatic machine’s components (closing plate, cylinder, plunger, hydraulic jack, motor, battery, wheels, etc.) work together to compress biomass into dense briquettes efficiently. Various raw materials, including agricultural residues, wood waste, and urban biomass, can be used for briquetting, promoting waste reduction, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

Conclusion

This research offers a comparative analysis of two different kinds of briquetting machines: a manually operated semi-automatic model and a fully automated industrial version, both used for creating bio-coal. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the heat value, moisture levels, ash content, and financial feasibility of the briquettes produced by each machine. The findings highlight the advantages and disadvantages of both methods, delivering important information on their suitability for diverse uses. This research analyzes both manually operated and fully automated industrial briquetting machines, focusing on their effectiveness, expense, and ecological viability. The manual version, priced at ?8,500, is designed for small-scale production with a capacity of 5 kg per hour; however, it necessitates physical labor and results in briquettes of lower density. On the other hand, the industrial unit, costing ?22 lakh, boasts a substantial output of 1000 kg per hour and produces denser briquettes, yet it requires a significant financial commitment and ongoing maintenance. Both types of machines contribute to sustainable energy by transforming agricultural waste into fuel. The manual machine is more appropriate for smaller users, while the industrial model caters to larger production needs. Looking ahead, future advancements should focus on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing their environmental benefits. Briquettes crafted solely from pure soybean shells (in a 100:00 ratio) using industrial machinery exhibited a superior calorific value of 3809.26 J. In contrast, those produced with a blend of soybean shells, oil, and water (in an 80:10:10 ratio) via a manual machine showed a lower calorific value of 3281.824 J. This clearly demonstrates that briquettes made from pure soybean shells are more energy-efficient and yield greater heat during burning, establishing them as a more potent fuel option. The moisture content of pure soybean shell briquettes (100:00 ratio) was 9.45%, slightly lower than the 10% found in mixed briquettes (80:10:10 ratio). A lower moisture content enhances burning efficiency, allowing the briquettes to ignite more easily and burn more consistently while producing less smoke. This makes pure soybean shell briquettes more effective as a fuel source, as they provide better combustion performance and reduce energy loss due to moisture evaporation. Briquettes made from 100% soybean husk show a higher ash level of 10.13%, compared to just 7.2% in the blended briquettes. This difference suggests that the pure soybean variety leaves behind more ash after burning. A higher ash content can contribute to increased air pollution and requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance. While the mixed briquettes provide slightly less energy, they are a cleaner option because they produce less ash, making them better suited for environments where reducing emissions and easing upkeep are priorities.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Pallavi Bisen, Rohan Choudhari, Suraj Mandal, Harshal Waghmare, Vaibhavi Sawaikar, Sakshi Larokar, Ujjwal Pimpalkar, Adarsh Chatki. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.