Insight into the Biomass-Based Briquette Generation from Agro-Residues: Challenges, Perspectives, and Innovations

Abstract

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.