The organic briquette production process is an effective method of turning natural and renewable materials—such as agricultural waste, sawdust, rice husks, coconut shells, and dried leaves—into a clean fuel source. The production of these briquettes not only provides an eco-friendly energy solution but also helps reduce the accumulation of organic waste in the environment. For deeper insights, you can refer to Natural Material Briquette Production
Selection and Collection of Raw Materials
The first step is to select raw materials with high carbon content. Organic materials such as coconut shells, corn stalks, coffee husks, or rice husks are often used because they are easy to obtain and have good calorific value. In addition, raw materials are collected from local sources to reduce transportation costs and carbon footprint.
Drying the Raw Materials
It is necessary to dry the raw materials to decrease their water content. The ideal moisture level is below 15% to prevent mold growth and ensure optimal burning performance. As a result, briquettes will have better combustion efficiency and longer storage life. Drying can be done naturally by sun-drying for several days or using a drying oven for large-scale production.
Carbonization
The next step is carbonization, which involves heating the raw materials without oxygen so that they turn into charcoal. This process is usually carried out in a closed drum or a traditional kiln. Consequently, carbonization increases the carbon content, thereby enhancing the calorific value of the briquettes.
Grinding the Charcoal
The resulting charcoal is ground into a smooth powder, either by hand using a mortar or with the help of a grinding machine. Finer charcoal particles lead to higher-quality briquettes, as they create a denser and more consistent mixture.
Mixing with Binder
Ground charcoal is combined with a natural binder, for example tapioca starch mixed into heated water. This binding agent holds the charcoal particles together, preventing the briquettes from breaking easily. Typically, the ratio is about 90:10 for charcoal to binder, although it can be adjusted depending on the type of raw material used.
Briquette Molding
The mixture of charcoal and binder is placed into molds, shaped into cylinders, blocks, or other forms as needed. Molding can be done manually using simple pressing tools or with a hydraulic press for mass production.
Briquette Drying
The molded briquettes need to be dried again to reduce moisture content to below 10%. Drying can be done under the sun for 2–3 days or with a drying oven. Well-dried briquettes have higher burning efficiency and longer shelf life.
Packaging and Storage
In the final stage, briquettes are packed in durable sacks or airtight plastic to prevent moisture absorption, which can reduce burning efficiency. They should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place, protected from rain and humidity. Using pallets or elevated platforms helps avoid contact with ground moisture, ensuring the briquettes remain in good condition until use.
Conclusion
The organic briquette production process is an environmentally friendly way to convert organic waste into a valuable energy source. Through these stages, organic briquettes can serve as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Furthermore, this process not only helps protect the environment but also creates new business opportunities for local communities. Learn more at Jacoid.