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This paper explores the utilization of biomass resources derived from vineyard residues for producing densified solid biofuels in the Republic of Moldova, with the aim of quantitatively and qualitatively evaluating the residue from vine pruning, focusing on the feasibility of its use as raw material for the production of briquettes and pellets. The methodology includes the analysis of statistical data, as well as experimental investigations conducted at the Scientific Laboratory of Solid Biofuels of the Technical University of Moldova. Waste biomass samples were collected from various vineyards in the different districts of all three regions of the country, focusing on regions with significant plantations. Both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the biomass were assessed, considering the moisture content, calorific value, and ash content. It was found that about 1013 kg/ha of waste biomass is generated from the pruning of technical grape varieties with a net calorific value of 15.6 MJ/kg at a moisture content of 10 wt.% and about 1044 kg/ha with a calorific value of 16.4 MJ/kg from the table ones; both with an average ash content of 3 wt.%. The results indicated that vineyard pruning residues in the Republic of Moldova could provide a substantial biomass source, with an estimated total energy potential of approximately 370 TJ/y (80% located in the Southern region); they also highlighted the need for technological advancements and quality assurance procedures through which to ensure the efficiency and sustainability of biofuel production. The conclusions emphasize the numerous benefits of utilizing viticultural residue, both economically and ecologically, contributing to the sustainable development of the viticulture industry in the Republic of Moldova, as well as environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bali is one of the islands with the largest Hindu religion in Indonesia. This is of course an attraction for tourists to see the culture and natural beauty that the island of Bali has to offer. However, apart from that, there are many religious activities that occur on the island of Bali and the waste produced is something that needs special attention. If this waste is not handled properly, it will threaten environmental sustainability in Bali and indirectly the tourism offered. Therefore, there is a need for a solution to overcome the waste problem. By conducting observations, interviews and literature studies, a way to overcome this problem was found, namely by converting the waste into aromatherapy incense, vermicomposting, briquettes and biofuel. The results of this processing have been studied and of course have the potential to be carried out on the island of Bali. The application of this method also indirectly plays an important role in preserving the environment and economy on the island of Bali. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass waste energy recovery is a significant method for recycling energy from waste and capturing it for use in renewable energy sources. The abundance of brewing byproducts, such as brewery spent grain (BSG) and brewery wastewater sludge (BWWS), as well as their high carbon concentrations gives these wastes energy potential. With 20% molasses utilized as a binding agent to maximize the high caloric value of the briquette, this study sought to examine the quality of mixed briquettes made from BSG and BWWS. In order to make composite briquettes with a maximum caloric content of 19.94 MJ/kg, the ideal conditions were chosen, which included a temperature of 350°C, a production period of 60 min, and a 75% BSG mixing ratio. It can be compared to sawdust briquettes, which have a calorific value of 22.88 MJ/kg, by looking at the calorific value of densified with pressure 100 bar for mixed carbonized briquettes vs mixed noncarbonized briquettes (21.13 MJ/kg). The value of R2 was 0.9607 and indicated that 96.07% of the total validation in the calorific value correlation between experimental and predicted values. The finding of the study showed that the efficiency of the quadratic model in fitting the data would be higher under the conditions of the experiment. Based on ISO 17225‐6 fuel quality classes and specifications for graded nonwoody pellets, the study concluded that using BSG and BWWS as alternative energy sources meets those requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a by-product of wastewater treatment, sewage sludge can be used for natural, agricultural, or energy purposes. One method of preparing sludge for management and use is solar drying. To intensify the drying process, natural additives can be used to alter the structure of the sludge and accelerate the evaporation of water. This research aimed to evaluate the influences of different organic additives in sewage sludge mixtures on the physicochemical and energy parameters of briquettes. This research was carried out without thermal boosting in a 4 × 2.5 × 2 m plastic tunnel. The tunnel was equipped with three drying stations and control and measuring equipment. In two test series, sludge additives in the form of straw and lignocellulosic materials, sawdust, bark, woodchips, and walnut shells, were used. Briquettes were made from the resulting mixtures and then subjected to physical and chemical analyses. This research showed high variability in the contents of trace elements, nitrogen, and sulphur in relation to an increase in the amount of sludge in the briquettes, which, for the briquettes made from sewage sludge, was nearly twice as high as for the briquettes made from the mixtures. The results of the flue gas analysis for the briquettes with sawdust and wood chip additives were very similar. The briquettes made from sewage sludge with lignocellulosic materials (bark and wood chips) had fuel properties similar to woody biomass, with a calorific value and heat of combustion of 15–16 MJ/kg. Fibrous additives (straw) significantly increased the strength parameters of the briquettes, by more than 50% of the value. The compositions and properties of the mixtures affected the following briquetting parameters: temperature and compressive force. The briquettes made from sewage sludge and additives can be classified according to ISO 21640 as SRFs (solid recovered fuels). In most of the results, the net calorific value (NCV) was 3 to 4; the chlorine content (CL) was 2 to 1; and the mercury content (Hg) was 1. The sewage sludge mixtures facilitated the agricultural and energy use of the briquettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work assessed some properties and effects of biocoal briquettes on environmental pollution compared with utilising coal alone. A mixture of coal fines and rice husks was prepared, with cassava starch gel as a binder, before compaction in a briquetting machine and drying with a solar dryer. Samples of the coal fines, rice husk, cassava flour and briquettes were analysed for their elemental and oxide concentrations via an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyser. The heat fuels were analysed for their thermal behaviour via thermogravimetric analyser (TGA), whereas the specific surface area, pore size and pore volume were determined using a Brunner–Emmett–Teller (BET) analyser. The conversion of the tested coals to biocoal briquettes resulted in a reduction in the level of arsenic in the briquettes. Additionally, the sulphur level decreased from 1.96 to 1.11% in the Okobo-Enjema briquettes and from 1.78 to 0.90% in the Onyeama briquettes. However, the levels of manganese increased from 0.04 to 0.22% in the Okobo-Enjema briquettes and from 0.04 to 0.21% in the Onyeama briquettes. Thermogravimetric analysis at different heating rates revealed that derivative weight loss increased with increasing heating rate, from 4.4% at 10 °C/min to 5.5% at 20 °C/min. BET analysis revealed that the briquettes had larger pore diameters, volumes and specific surface areas than did the coal samples. The coal samples have greater propensity to pollute the environment as the amount of potentially hazardous elements in the samples is greater than in their biocoal briquettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative biomass for energy can reduce fossil fuel use and environmental impacts, providing energy security in semi-arid areas with shallow soils that are not ideal for agro-forestry. The densification of sorghum biomass (SB) brings its energetic characteristics closer those of wood. Higher heating value (HHV) represents the heat produced by a given quantity of fuel. This Brazilian research tested different mixtures of SB, eucalyptus wood (W), and eucalyptus bio-oil (Bo) as briquettes for HHV and least ash. Compressed mixtures of SB+B were compared to W+Bo and SB+W+Bo. The concentrations of bio-oil added to SB/W were 1%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. SB+W+Bo composites' W content was 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, with Bo as 3% of the weight. Sorghum biomass' HHV is equivalent to W at 3%Bo. Bo doses of 4% and 5% had the same HHV as 3%. Eucalyptus wood did not have a significantly greater HHV with any amount of Bo. SB+W+3%Bo had the same HHV as W when W was at least 50% of the mixture. At greater than 36%W, the ash content was lower than 3%, meeting the EN-B international standard. The optimal composite mixture was 64%SB+36%W+3%Bo for HHV and ash content. SB briquettes can be more widely adopted given sorghum's prevalence in semi-arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient utilization of biomass requires conversion into forms that can be optimally applied in energy generation. Briquetting involves the compaction of biomass into solid blocks that are more efficient than raw biomass, and provides ease of transport and handling. These are improved when the briquettes possess a high density, shatter index, and compressive strength. Due to differences in nature and composition, it is imperative to define optimum conditions for the production of quality and durable briquettes for individual biomasses that are compacted into briquettes. This study investigated the effects of process variables on the strength, durability, and density of biomass briquettes produced using Abura sawdust. The lateral compressive strength and drop shatter index were investigated whilst varying the temperature (100–150 °C), pressure (9–15 MPa), and hold time (15–30 min). The compressive strength ranged between 2.06 and 5.15 MPa, whilst the shatter index was between 50 and 600. Briquette density was between 518.8 and 822.9 kg/m3. The pressure was significant to the determination of the compressive strength (p < 0.1) and the shatter index (p < 0.05). The pressure, temperature, and hold time are significant to the briquette density. Physical and mechanical characteristics of the binderless Abura sawdust briquettes can be improved by optimizing the densification variables during the briquetting process when moderate pressures are used for compaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of death globally, and a major contributor to CVD mortality is ambient air pollution (AAP). This study aimed to evaluate associations between AAP and mortality from CVD, including ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and strokes. Data on daily mortality records, six criteria AAP and meteorology in the capital city of Mongolia were collected between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2022. A time-stratified case-crossover design was analysed with distributed lag conditional Poisson regression to estimate the relative risk of CVD mortality. We found that for each interquartile range increase in PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2 pollutants, the risk of CVD mortality increased by 1.5% (RR = 1.015; 95% CI: 1.005, 1.025), 4.4% (RR = 1.044; 95% CI: 1.029, 1.059), 3.1% (RR = 1.033; 95% CI: 1.015, 1.047) and 4.8% (RR = 1.048; 95% CI: 1.013, 1.085) at lag01, respectively. The association between all pollutants, except O3, and CVD mortality was higher in subgroups ≥ 65 years and male, during the cold season and after using a new type of coal briquettes. Despite using the new type of coal briquettes, Ulaanbaatar's ambient air pollution remained higher than the WHO's guidelines. Based on our findings, we recommend that efforts should be focused on adopting more efficient strategies to reduce the current pollution level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dephosphorization is essential for utilizing high-phosphorus iron ore (HPIO), and this work prepared reduced iron powder via reductive roasting in a semi-industrial rotary kiln follower by magnetic separation. Under the conditions, reductive temperature of 1150°C, duration time of 60 min, mass ratio of briquettes to pea coal of 1:1, the reduced iron powder with an iron grade of 93.21% and phosphorus content of 0.13% was obtained, of which the corresponding iron recovery is 82.68% and dephosphorization ratio is 89.87%. The limestone reacted with gangue to form calcium aluminum silicate, preventing the reduction of phosphorate and in turn the formation of ferrophosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU's circular economy concept necessitates increasing the recycling ratio of municipal solid wastes. There are many existing mechanical–biological processing plants in Hungary for the preparation of residual municipal solid wastes (RMSWs). The two most important products of these plants are the bio-fraction and the refuse derived fuel (RDF). Currently, there are problems with both of these material streams in Hungary, since most of the bio-fraction is still landfilled, and the local thermal utilisation of the RDF has not been implemented yet. The high moisture content of the produced bio-fraction and RDF causes difficulties for the downstream operations; therefore, there is recent engineering interest in drying and agglomeration of these materials. The authors have carried out systematic and parallel drying and briquetting experimental series to study the effect of the material, material composition, mass (volume or surface) of the material, particle size distribution and pre-treatment with a cutting mill on drying intensity in a 1 m3 oven and their effect on briquettability by a laboratory briquette press. The initial slope of the relative moisture loss as function of time was determined. Process engineering design methods of convective hot air-drying can be further developed taking into account the research results. Results can be used for the design of the feed of a pyrolysis reactor once reactor experiments have provided the optimal feed requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, enterprises producing crystalline silicon are facing the formation and accumulation of large volumes of microsilica, a technogenic dusty waste formed during the melting of silicon alloys. Due to its chemical composition, this waste can be a significant raw material for metallurgical production. Therefore, this study is aimed to solve the problem of recycling microsilica. For these studies, a technology for the combined briquetting of microsilica and a carbonaceous reducing agent was developed for the production of a pilot batch of briquettes. This paper presents the results obtained from the process of testing the melting of crystalline (technical) silicon from briquetted monocharge obtained from microsilica. The tests were conducted under large-scale laboratory conditions on a 200 kVA ore-thermal furnace, where 30, 50, and 100% replacements of the traditional charge mixture with briquettes were tested. The results of this study showed that briquettes in the melting process of technical silicon can be successfully used in the range of 0 to 50%. The use of briquettes can significantly improve the technological indicators. The maximum extraction of silicon (approximately 83%) was achieved at 30% replacement. The technical and economic indicators of the process also improved. In particular, an increase in productivity was observed in comparison with tests on a traditional charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steel industry accounts, according to the International Energy Agency, for ~6.7% of global CO2 emissions, and the major portion of its contribution is from steelmaking via the blast furnace (BF) route. In the short term, a significant reduction in fossil CO2 emissions can be achieved through the introduction of bio-coal into the BF as part of cold bonded briquettes, by injection, or as part of coke. The use of bio-coal-containing residue briquettes was previously demonstrated in industrial trials in Sweden, whereas bio-coal injection was only tested on a pilot scale or in one-tuyere tests. Therefore, industrial trials replacing part of the pulverized coal (PC) were conducted. It was concluded that the grinding, conveying, and injection of up to 10% of charcoal (CC) with PC can be safely achieved without negative impacts on PC injection plant or BF operational conditions and without losses of CC with the dust. From a process point of view, higher addition is possible, but it must be verified that grinding and conveying is feasible. Through an experimentally validated computational fluid flow model, it was shown that a high moisture content and the presence of oversized particles delay devolatilization and ignition, lowering the combustion efficiency. By using CC with similar heating value to PC, compositional variations in the injected blend are not critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to determine optimum conditions for producing briquettes fuel from biomass, examine the properties of the resulting briquette fuel and transfer the technology to target communities. The production process entails implementing a screwtype briquette press equipped with controlled temperatures through a molded pipe clamp electric heater for shaping the briquettes. This is an innovative approach that allows briquettes to be produced and ready for use in a single step, while other processes require the briquettes to be dried first. The production capacity was estimated to be 12 kg/hr. Bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, was the biomass used in the current research. For this study, four distinct temperatures were chosen for experimentation, 100, 110, 120, and 130°C. The proportions of bagasse, cassava flour, and water were investigated for briquette production utilizing two formulae: 1 kg bagasse to 0.1 kg cassava flour and 0.5 liters water, and 1 kg bagasse to 0.3 kg cassava flour and 0.5 liters water. The findings indicated that bagasse briquettes could be effectively manufactured at 120°C. The ideal proportion of bagasse particles, cassava starch, and water was 1 kg: 0.3 kg: 0.5 liters, respectively. The moisture content, volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon were respectively 8.04, 70.20, 13.05, and 16.11 wt.% on a dry basis, based on the physical and chemical property tests of the briquette fuel. The material has a density of approximately 856.70 kg/m³, a compressive strength of 89.34 kg/cm², and a higher heat value (HHV) of 24.05 MJ/kg, with a longer burning time than regular charcoal. The research emphasizes using bagasse for innovative renewable energy production technologies and disseminating this technology in target communities in Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coalfield fires have become a major hidden danger in mining operations. In order to analyze the laws of coal oxidation and combustion under stress, a uniaxial pressurized experiment was conducted on briquettes. The results show that as the temperature rises, the oxygen consumption rate of the oxidative combustion of the coal sample increases. This rate is higher in the active stage (120–200°C). CO and CO2 gases begin to be generated in the awakening stage (60–70°C), while hydrocarbon gases are gradually generated in the active stage. Additionally, the index gas escape rate is relatively high under a specific axial pressure (4MP). The cross point temperature of the coal sample at 4MP is lower (86.9°C), and the maximum heating rate is higher (0.117°C/s) compared to other coal-oxygen samples with axial pressure applied. The application of axial pressure has two functions including opening pore channels and compacting particle space, which affect the oxidative spontaneous combustion of coal samples. The research results provide a strong scientific basis and theoretical guidance for the detection and prevention of coalfield fires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to the feasibility and potential application of briquettes obtained from dehydrated mahogany sawdust as a feasible and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels. Briquettes have been observed to be widely utilized in rural areas for culinary purposes. These briquettes are derived from various biomass sources, which contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of ecological consciousness in waste management and energy generation. Lantawan Municipality of Basilan, renowned for its agricultural resources, such mahogany lumber and sawdust as substantial agricultural wastes that can be potential to the production of biofuel. Notably, CMS exhibits favorable characteristics for briquette manufacturing, owing to its capacity for carbon sequestration, durability, efficiency, burning time, kindling time, and heat quality. This study aims to assess the physical characteristics, efficacy, and combustion time of CMS charcoal briquettes by means of a Likert questionnaire. Results revealed a cumulative average rating of 5.0 (Very Much liked) in all parameters expressing high praise for the briquettes' remarkable capacity. Although CMS briquettes performed well in all physical tests, proving their viability as an eco-friendly energy source, recommendation such as collection and transformation of mahogany sawdust into sustainable alternative biomass fuel, Enhancement of the efficiency and accessibility by involving Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) students in the design and creation of machines that could optimize the production process and testing briquettes to various parameters such as fixed carbon content, moisture content, and ash content to improve product yields and performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide an overview of the growing need for renewable energy conversion and aligns with the broader context of environmentally friendly energy, specifically through producing syngas from biomass. Unlike natural gas, which is mainly composed of methane, syngas contains a mixture of combustible CO, H2, and CnHm. Therefore, optimizing its production requires a thorough examination of various operational parameters such as the gasifying agent, the equivalence ratio, the biofuel type, and the state, particularly in densified forms like pellets or briquettes. As new biomass sources are continually discovered and tested, operational parameters are also constantly evaluated, and new techniques are continuously developed. Indeed, these techniques include different gasifier types and the use or non-use of catalysts during biofuel conversion. The present study focuses on these critical aspects to examine their effect on the efficiency of syngas production. It is worth mentioning that syngas is the primary gaseous product from gasification. Moreover, it is essential to note that the pyrolysis process (prior to gasification) can produce, in addition to tar and char, a mixture of gases. The common feature among these gases is their versatility in energy generation, heat production, and chemical synthesis. The analysis encompasses the resulting gas features, including the yield and composition, mainly through the hydrogen-to-carbon monoxide ratio and the carbon monoxide-to-carbon dioxide ratio, as well as the lower heating value and considerations of the tar yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husks are not readily biodegradable making their disposal challenging due to the common disposal method of open burning which has negative environmental effects. Additionally, banana, sweet potato and cassava peelings form a large percentage of organic municipal solid waste. Therefore, this study developed rice husk biochar briquettes with organic municipal peelings waste as binders. Rice husks biochar was formed via carbonization processes in a step-down kiln at temperatures ranging between 400 and 500 °C. Organic binders were mixed with the rice husk biochar at different ratios of 10% and 15% before being compacted at a pressure ≤ 7 MPa into briquettes. Thermogravimetric results showed that the developed briquettes had high ash contents ranging from 44% to 47%. Rice husk biochar briquettes with the highest particle density were observed for briquettes with 15% cassava peel binder at 427.1 kg/m3. The highest HHV and maximum attainable flame temperature of 21.75 MJ/kg and 828.7 °C were obtained for rice husk biochar briquettes with 15% matooke peeling organic binder. For all rice husk biochar briquettes, increasing the organic peeling binder had a positive impact of reducing the ash content, while at the same time increasing the peak temperatures, thus contributing to their enhanced thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recovery of iron contained in mill scale rather than iron ore can be considered a promising valorization pathway for this waste, especially if carried out through reduction using biogenic carbon sources. Nevertheless, the physicochemical properties of the latter may hinder the industrial transferability of such a pathway. In this work, the mechanical and metallurgical behavior of self-reduced briquettes composed of mill scale and four biogenic carbons (with increasing ratios of fixed carbon to volatile matter and ash) was studied. Each sample achieved mechanical performance above the benchmarks established for their application in metallurgical furnaces, although the presence of alkali compounds in the ash negatively affected the water resistance of the briquettes. In terms of metallurgical performance, although agglomeration successfully exploited the reduction by volatiles from 750 °C, full iron recovery and slag separation required an amount of fixed carbon higher than 6.93% and a heat treatment temperature of 1400 °C. Finally, the presence of Ca-, Al-, and Si- compounds in the ash was essential for the creation of a slag compatible with steelmaking processes and capable of retaining both phosphorus and sulfur, hence protecting the recovered iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon region contains numerous areas dedicated to sustainable timber extraction. This operation has low yields and generates a large amount of waste. However, this waste can be repurposed for energy generation, providing income for locals and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources prevalent in the region. This study aimed to assess the impact of torrefaction on various wood residues for briquette production. Wood residues from Mimosa scabrella Benth (Bracatinga), Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd. (Cumaru), and Aspidosperma populifolium A.DC. (Peroba mica) were torrefied at temperatures ranging from 180 to 220 °C for sixty minutes under a nitrogen atmosphere. Briquettes were produced using laboratory equipment with loading pressures between 7 and 14 MPa. Torrefied particle properties were evaluated based on proximate composition and calorific value tests, while briquette quality was assessed for physical and mechanical properties. The results demonstrated the briquetting potential of different wood species before and after torrefaction, with optimal outcomes achieved by torrefaction at 220 °C due to its enhancement of energy density. Briquettes showed optimal characteristics at compression pressures of 14 MPa, resulting in increased density (between 1.10 and 1.24 g·cm−3) and compression strength (between 7.20 and 21.02 MPa). The ash values were low and met the requirements. The utilization of waste for briquette production offers a significant alternative for energy generation in economically disadvantaged communities, while also enabling the replacement of non-renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Energy application potential from the abundant biomass residues is inadequately exploited. Over-dependence on forest trees, its negative environmental impacts, and ever-rising energy costs require alternative production technologies including briquetting. The physico-mechanical and combustion properties of binderless and bindered Alstonia boonei sawdust and Theobroma cacao (cocoa) pod briquettes, carbonized in a steel kiln (at 410±5°C, and a heating rate of 4°C/min from the ambient temperature of 25°C), piston-pressed at 9.0 MPa, were studied. The binders were starch, wax, and clay. Starch-bindered T. cacao pod briquettes recorded the maximum bulk density (640 kg/cm3), while basic density was greatest for sawdust/clay briquette (433 kg/cm3). Sawdust/wax briquette produced much Water Resistance Capacity (76.76%) with safer carbon monoxide (CO) emissions (0.67 ppm). A. boonei sawdust/starch briquettes recorded the greatest calorific value (24.023 MJ/kg), least specific fuel consumption (0.0483 kg/l), and slowest burning rate (0.0005 kg/min). All but T. cacao pod/starch and Sawdust/starch emitted CO below the safe air quality Standard of ≤ 6ppm (24h mean). Binderless sawdust, sawdust/starch and T. cacao pod/starch briquettes recorded 47.86, 20.95 and 11.40 μg/m3 particulate matter (PM2.5) respectively, which are below WHO Air Quality Standard safe for domestic uses. Binderless T. cacao pod produced more harmful CO and PM2.5 than its non-bindered A. boonei sawdust counterpart. Clay-bindered briquettes were the most durable. Briquetting, 'a waste-to-energy technology', enhances bio-residue management for domestic and industrial spaces in the global energy mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with loose biomass (LB), biomass briquettes (BBs) with high energy density and convenient transportation characteristics are more suitable as solid feedstock for preparing low-tar-content syngas through chemical looping gasification (CLG). Herein, the effects of key briquetting parameters, such as temperature, pressure, moisture content, and particle size, on the briquetting density (ρ), relaxation ratio, and crash resistance of waste sawdust are investigated, and the CLG performance of the briquetted sawdust is examined. Results show that pressure is the most critical factor affecting ρ. Briquetting of waste sawdust promotes the resultant syngas yield in CLG. Compared to LB, BBs exhibit increases in H 2 yield, syngas yield, H 2 /CO molar ratio, and maximum gasification rate. When ρ was 0.8–0.9 g/cm3, the briquetting feature and CLG performance were good, with the briquetting pressure being optimized to 10–15 MPa. Moreover, granular-shaped BBs exhibits the highest CO release strength and good CLG performance. This discovery provides favorable briquetting conditions for the effective application of BBs in the field of CLG. [Display omitted] • We use ρ as a key parameter to link briquetting and CLG process. • The briquetting feature and CLG performance were good when ρ was 0.8–0.9 g/cm3. • The ρ increases hydrogen yield and H 2 /CO molar ratio. • It provides favorable briquetting conditions for BBs in the field of CLG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combustion of briquettes made from organic and industrial residues in small boilers requires researchers to consider the characteristics of this type of fuel and methods of its combustion. For the efficient combustion of fuel briquettes, a layered combustion method with the ability to regulate the supply of combustion air is better suited. The purpose of this research is to study the thermal technical conditions of briquetted fuel combustion. In order to carry this out, a stand was created, which made it possible to determine the combustion efficiency of this type of fuel. Two types of briquettes were studied: one with 30% sunflower husks and 70% leaves, and one with and 70% sunflower husks and 30% coke breeze. The combustion results of the briquettes show that heat loss from chemical under-burning was no more than 6.25%. To determine the temperature distribution in the fuel layer, a model of unsteady heat transfer in a fixed layer was used. A calculation of the temperature fields in the layer of burned fuel briquettes was carried out, which showed that the most favorable conditions for burning briquettes were created with a layer about 15–20 cm thick for both burned briquette options. The temperature was in the range of 450–750 °C, which on the one hand corresponds to experimental data and on the other hand provides a combustion regime that occurs with a relatively low loss to the environment. This installation and mathematical model will help future studies based on the processes of other types of organic waste combustion with a grate system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of cashew nuts has been increasing globally, leading to a greater volume of waste materials that require proper management. Nevertheless, cashew nutshells (CNS), currently considered waste by most processors, offer a noteworthy opportunity for alternative applications owing to their distinct physical, chemical, and thermal properties. This article reviews alternative applications for CNS that can leverage these properties, while evaluating research gaps. The potential uses are classified into three categories: material development, energy production, and substance absorption. In the materials segment, various examples are discussed where CNS serves as raw material to synthesize biopolymers, cementitious materials, and a broad range of composites. The energy production section discusses various processes that utilize CNS, including pyrolysis, gasification, and briquette production. The absorption section presents CNS and activated carbon derived from CNS as effective absorbents for liquid-phase and gas-phase applications. While this review highlights numerous research-level possibilities for CNS utilization, only a few of these options have been implemented within the industry. Consequently, further research is essential, particularly in CNS characterization, economic and environmental assessment, and real-life implementation, to broaden and enhance the integration of this biomass into applications that can contribute to the value of both its production and processing chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of charcoal briquettes was considered using two distinct bases: palmyra palm and oil palm shells. The critical role of binders - namely tapioca starch, molasses, and termite mound clay (TMC) - were emphasized in influencing the properties of the briquettes. ANOVA results revealed that both the type of binder and charcoal significantly impacted various characteristics, such as proximate components like volatile matter content, and physical properties including combustion time. Briquettes made from palmyra palm shells notably demonstrated superior performance in terms of combustion time and onset time of saturation (OTS). Among the binders, tapioca starch was distinguished for contributing to the lowest ash content and the highest fixed carbon in the briquettes. Conversely, briquettes bound with TMC, despite having the lowest volatile matter percentage, also exhibited the highest ash content and fragility, in addition to the shortest combustion time. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate binders to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of charcoal briquettes, aligning with the increasing demand for environmentally conscious energy solutions in the face of escalating global energy needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops briquettes from fines generated in the processing of manganese ore from a strategic manganeferous district of Minas Gerais–Brazil. The briquettes were produced based on the following variables: compaction pressure (20 and 25MPa), curing time (7 and 28 days), percentage by mass of binder (5% and 10%), and replacement with tailings (0% and 10%). Technological tests evaluated the compressive, abrasion, impact strength and water absorption. The best conditions for briquette included 10% Portland cement, 10% Mn tailings, compaction pressure of 25MPa and 7 days of curing, as well as 10% Portland cement, compaction pressure of 25MPa and 28 days of curing. The briquettes primarily contained the spessartine, todorokite, quartz, and pyrolusite minerals. The storage time tests indicated that the briquettes responded satisfactorily to storage for three months in a dry environment and at room temperature. Through crackling tests, the briquettes have potential to be commercially used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new method of microwave-hydrogen synergistic reduction of vanadium-titanium magnetite (VTM) briquette/VTM composite biomass briquette were developed to carry out isothermal experiment. The results showed that under the experimental conditions, excessive biomass would open the channel for gas diffusion and participate in the reduction reaction, but it would weaken the hydrogen reduction to some extent. After grinding the reduction product of VTM composite biomass briquette for 40 min, internal cracks and fragmentation were more likely to occur. After magnetic separation, titanium and iron can be effectively separated, and the nonmagnetic substance is mainly Fe2TiO4 phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2030 Agenda, established in 2015, contains seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing global challenges. SDG-06, focused on clean water, drives the increase in basic sanitation coverage, the management of wastewater discharges, and water quality. Wastewater treatment could contribute to achieving 11 of the 17 SDGs. For this purpose, phytoremediation is a low-cost and adaptable alternative to the reduction and control of aquatic pollutants. The objective of this study is to highlight the role of macrophytes in the removal and degradation of these compounds, focusing on Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, commonly known as water hyacinth. The reported values indicate that this plant has a removal capacity of over 70% for metals such as copper, aluminum, lead, mercury, cadmium, and metalloids such as arsenic. Additionally, it significantly improves water quality parameters such as turbidity, suspended solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, and color. It also reduces the presence of phosphates, and nitrogen compounds to values below 50%. It also plays a significant role in the removal of organic contaminants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. This study describes several valuable by-products from the biomass of the water hyacinth, including animal and fish feed, energy generation (such as briquettes), ethanol, biogas, and composting. According to the analysis carried out, E. crassipes has a great capacity for phytoremediation, which makes it a viable solution for wastewater management, with great potential for water ecosystem restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, different strategies are being developed in order to ensure optimum conditions for the development and growth of economic competitiveness, as well as for increasing the quality of life and environmental protection. All these strategies are closely linked to the development and modernization of systems for producing energy from clean and renewable sources. In this context, the present paper presents the results of research regarding the evaluation of the sustainability of briquette production using biomass resulting from vine winter pruning as the raw material. An analysis of the scientific literature indicates that nearly 8 Mt of biomass would result from the over 7.4 million hectares of vine plantations in the world, biomass that could be valorized through densification in order to produce solid biofuels with a lower calorific value of more than 17 MJ/kg. This study examines the production of briquettes from vineyard winter pruning with consideration of two types of densification technologies: baling and natural drying of the tendrils, and collection, shredding, and artificial drying of the lignocellulose debris. The quality indices and energy consumption and energy efficiency of the briquettes were evaluated to determine their feasibility as an alternative fuel source. When designing the scientific endeavor, the following aspects were considered: defining the aim and objectives of the research; designing the research algorithm; collecting, preparing, and conditioning the biomass; conducting a chemical analysis of the briquettes; and evaluating the energy consumption and energy efficiency for producing the briquettes, taking into account two drying methods (natural and artificial drying). In the meantime, some specific laboratory equipment was designed and built for the artificial drying of biomass, evaluation of mechanical durability, measurement of energy consumption, etc. Analysis of the experimental data has led to the conclusion that the agricultural waste from vine pruning can constitute an important and sustainable source of energy in the form of briquettes that fulfill most of the requirements imposed by international standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTo quantitatively study the failure evolution characteristics of raw coal and briquette under triaxial compression, an acoustic emission (AE) experiment was conducted on both materials. The failure evolution of raw coal and briquette was quantitatively characterized based on AE energy. A constitutive model accurately describing the failure evolution process of raw coal and briquette was constructed. Using the Logistic function, a constitutive model of failure evolution under triaxial compression was constructed by combining failure mechanics theory with effective medium theory. The effects of parameters a and r on the failure evolution process and constitutive relationship were further analyzed. The study results show that the compaction stage of raw coal is more typical but shorter, exhibiting an obvious stress fallback characteristic. The briquette exhibits an obvious linear increase in stress before reaching peak stress, with no obvious residual strength. The failure evolution curves of raw coal based on AE energy characterization can be divided into three stages: initial almost no failure, slow start of failure, and sharp, steep increase in failure. In contrast, the failure evolution curves of briquette do not have obvious stage change characteristics. The failure evolution equations and the constitutive model obtained by fitting the Logistic function yielded correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9704 to 0.9987. This indicates that the Logistic function effectively express the characteristics of failure evolution and the failure deformation process based on AE energy characterization. The theoretical failure evolution curves of raw coal and briquette are jointly determined by parameters a and r. Parameters a and r significantly affect the ontological relationship of raw coal and have a smaller effect on that of briquette. The research results are of great theoretical significance for the stability evaluation of deep coal mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the combustion of pellets and briquettes made of plant biomass in low-power heating devices powered periodically with fuel being placed on the grate, as well as after modification using an automatic fuel feeding system in the gutter burner. The use of herbaceous biomass in the form of pellets in low-power heating devices with automatic fuel feeding and combustion in a gutter burner is not widely promoted and popular. Therefore, this study used four types of herbaceous waste biomass (wheat straw, rye straw, oat straw and hay) and one type of woody waste biomass (birch sawdust) for testing. The basic chemical characteristics were determined for the raw materials. After appropriate preparation, the selected starting materials were subjected to briquetting and pelleting processes. Selected physical properties were also determined for the obtained biofuels. Biofuels made from birch sawdust had the lowest heat value (16.34 MJ·kg−1), although biofuels made from wheat, rye and hay straw had a slightly lower calorific value, respectively: 16.29; 16.28 and 16.26 MJ·kg−1. However, the calorific value of oat straw biofuels was only 15.47 MJ kg−1. Moreover, the ash content for herbaceous biomass was 2–4 times higher than for woody biomass. Similar differences between herbaceous and woody biomass were also observed for the nitrogen and sulfur content. To burn the prepared biofuels, a domestic grate-fired biomass boiler was used, periodically fed with portions of fuel in the form of pellets or briquettes (type A tests), which was then modified with a gutter burner enabling the automatic feeding of fuel in the form of pellets (type B tests). During the combustion tests with simultaneous timing, the concentration of CO2, CO, NO and SO2 in the exhaust gases was examined and the temperature of the supplied air and exhaust gases was measured. The stack loss (qA), combustion efficiency index (CEI) and toxicity index (TI) were also calculated. The research shows that the use of automatic fuel feeding stabilizes the combustion process. The combustion process is balanced between herbaceous and woody biomass biofuels. Disparities in CO2, CO and Tgas emissions are decreasing. However, during type B tests, an increase in NO emissions is observed. At the same time, the research conducted indicates that the combustion of herbaceous biomass pellets with their automatic feeding into the combustion chamber is characterized by an increase in combustion efficiency, indicating that when the combustion process is automated, they are a good replacement for wood biofuels—both pellets and briquettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turning biomass waste into briquettes using densification techniques is one of the most promising steps toward mitigating biomass waste pollution and fuel issues in developing countries. Despite the continuous growth of scientific output over the past few decades, only a limited amount of information is available in the literature on biomass briquette optimization and mathematical modeling, as well as the physiochemical characterization of biomass feedstocks and briquette operating variables. In light of this gap in the current literature, this study summarizes the current state of the art and recent advances in biomass-based briquettes generated from agro-residues as an alternative source of clean energy. The primary research method for this study is literature review and conceptual modeling. First, many densification processes, such as piston press, screw press, roller press, hydraulic press, and quality variables such as ash content, calorific value, moisture content, density, compressive strength, shatter index, etc., are thoroughly discussed and compared. Then characteristics of different biomass wastes are studied, together with process parameters, including temperature, type of binder used, particle size, and influence on densification process choice. The current evaluation concentrated on the mathematical modeling and optimization of the briquetting technology and the usefulness of briquettes in applications for heating, cooking, and energy production. Overall, this manuscript will help new researchers understand the basic methodology, classification, limitations, and future perspective of briquetting technology in the production of solid biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vacuum extrusion iron‐rich dust briquette (VEIDB) in this study is prepared by vacuum extrusion of iron ore fines and blast furnace dust. In this article, the metallurgical properties such as compressive strength, tumbler strength, low temperature reduction disintegration performance, reducibility, and softening melting properties of VEIDB are studied. The effect of VEIDB on the soft melting zone of blast furnace is also studied. Results show that the compressive strength of VEIDB is 5.684 kN/VEIDB, the tumbler strength is 89.87%, RDI−0.5 = 2.82%, and the metallization degree after reduction is 96.9%. However, its softening and melting properties is bad. The study on the influence of VEIDB on softening and melting properties of iron‐containing burden shows that, adding VEIDB in blast furnace burden would make the soft melting zone of blast furnace move up and expand; with the increase of the VEIDB amount, the permeability decreases first and then increases. The addition of VEIDB in blast furnace burden should be controlled within 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several types of waste are generated in the integrated steel industry, in particular from wet or dry LD (Linz-Donawitz) converter dedusting systems and blast furnace cleaning equipment. These wastes contain iron, carbon and, in some cases, zinc, which have been the subject of several studies and technological initiatives in recent decades. In this work, the fine (F) and coarse (C) residues generated in a dry dedusting system of the LD converter were used in the proportion of 50-50% and 70-30%, respectively, and to these proportions were added dust residues from the blast furnace (BF) collector. Previously, the C and F residues were hydrated for 3 and 4 days, respectively, and the mixture was agglomerated with Portland cement ARI (Alta Resistência Inicial) and water to produce self-reducing briquettes, in order to study their behavior in compression, metallization and mainly as an alternative cooling agent in liquid steel to control its final temperature. The results were analyzed considering the energy balance of the briquette-steel bath system and taking into account a thermodynamic sequence for the main reactions and oxygen potentials typical of steelmaking processes. The self-reducing agglomerates proved to cause a high cooling effect in the steel bath compared to iron ore scrap and pellets. Moreover, considering their high metallization degrees, self-reducing briquettes are an effective way to recover the metal (iron) contained in the waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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