A Review on Production, Marketing and Use of Fuel Briquettes

In recent years, briquetting has aroused a great deal of interest because of the opportunity to utilize agricultural residues and the organic fractions of municipal solid waste (MSW) more efficiently with a potential reduction in environmental pollution levels. Where modern heating and cooking fuels for domestic, institutional, commercial and industrial use are not readily available, briquettes made from biomass residues could contribute to the sustainable supply of energy. This study reviews the briquette making process, looking at the entire value chain starting from the type and characteristics of feedstock used for briquette making to the potential market for briquettes in developing countries. It also analyzes the role that gender plays in briquette production. The study first introduces the chemical and physical properties of raw materials suitable for briquette making. The review extends to identifying the various processes involved in briquette production, as well as the combustion and emission properties of the briquettes. The potential market for briquettes in developing countries with examples from East Africa is presented. Finally, the study touches on the key drivers and challenges for the success of a briquette business, based on experience in East Africa. Depending on the raw materials used and technologies applied during production, fuel briquettes come in different qualities and dimensions, and thus require appropriate targeting of different market segments. Quality and burning efficiency of fuel briquettes depend on the characteristics of the raw materials (ideally with lower moisture content, volatile matter and ash content, and with higher fixed carbon content) used to produce the briquettes. Therefore, the raw materials used and the briquetting processes should satisfy these characteristics to obtain the required briquette quality. Key drivers of success in briquette production and marketing include ensuring consistent supply of raw materials with good energy qualities, appropriate technologies, and consistency in the quality and supply of the briquettes. Creating strong partnerships with key stakeholders, such as the municipality, financiers and other actors within the briquette value chain, and enabling policy are important drivers for the success of briquette businesses. Partnering with the private sector, for instance, for waste pre-processing and delivery significantly reduces the cost of production. Similarly, partnering with municipalities or other organizations for resources, such as land, can be important drivers.

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5337/2017.200

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