Controlling biomass particle size below 5mm is the critical factor that determines the structural integrity and efficiency of the final briquette. By using industrial grinders to reduce raw materials like sawdust and coconut shells to this specific size, manufacturers maximize the contact area available between particles. This precise sizing allows the material to pack together tightly during high-pressure extrusion, ensuring a solid bond without large internal gaps.
This specific size control is the engineering standard for optimizing bulk density, ensuring that raw materials can rearrange under pressure to form a high-strength, energy-dense fuel source.
The Mechanics of Densification
Increasing Particle Contact Area
The primary reason for reducing material to less than 5mm is to drastically increase the surface area available for bonding.
Large chunks of biomass have limited points of contact with surrounding material. By grinding them down, you create thousands of microscopic surfaces that can frictionally engage with one another. This increased contact area is essential for holding the briquette together once pressure is removed.
Optimizing Bulk Density
The physical size of the raw material directly dictates the bulk density of the pre-compacted mix.
Particles smaller than 5mm are able to fill void spaces much more efficiently than larger, irregular pieces. This reduction in air pockets ensures that the starting material is dense enough to accept high pressure effectively, rather than just compressing air.
Facilitating Particle Rearrangement
During the high-pressure extrusion process, the raw material acts almost like a fluid as it is forced through the die.
Particles under 5mm have the mobility to rearrange themselves physically under this stress. This rearrangement allows the particles to interlock tightly. If the particles were larger, they would resist this flow, leading to internal stress fractures and a loosely packed product.
The Impact on Product Quality
Improving Mechanical Strength
The durability of a briquette during transport and storage depends entirely on how well the particles are bonded.
Because the <5mm particles have rearranged and bonded tightly, the final mechanical strength of the briquette is significantly improved. This ensures the briquette remains a solid unit and does not crumble back into dust when handled.
Maximizing Energy Density
A tighter bond and optimized bulk density result in a higher energy density for the final product.
By packing more combustible material into the same volume, the briquette becomes a more efficient fuel source. The strict size control ensures that the consumer is burning solid biomass rather than a porous, air-filled brick.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Consequence of Oversized Particles
If the grinding process fails to keep particles below the 5mm threshold, the extrusion process becomes unstable.
Larger particles create weak points within the structure where the bond is insufficient. This often results in briquettes that lack structural cohesion, leading to breakage and a lower market value.
Precision vs. Processing Effort
Achieving a consistent <5mm size requires robust industrial grinders and energy input during pre-treatment.
However, skipping this step to save on grinding energy is a false economy. The loss in final product quality—specifically regarding strength and density—outweighs the savings in the pre-treatment phase.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To ensure your briquetting process yields the best results, prioritize your pre-treatment equipment settings based on your end goals:
- If your primary focus is Durability: Ensure your grinder screens are strictly maintained to prevent any particles larger than 5mm from entering the extruder, guaranteeing high mechanical strength.
- If your primary focus is Combustion Efficiency: Focus on the consistency of the particle size to maximize bulk density, which directly translates to higher energy density in the final fuel.
Strict adherence to the 5mm particle size limit is the single most effective way to guarantee a high-performance biomass product.
Summary Table:
| Factor | Impact of <5mm Particle Size | Benefit to Final Briquette |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Area | Maximizes surface-to-surface interaction | Stronger internal bonding and cohesion |
| Bulk Density | Minimizes air voids and internal gaps | Increased energy density per unit volume |
| Rearrangement | Facilitates particle flow during extrusion | Reduced internal stress and fractures |
| Durability | Creates a tightly interlocked structure | Superior mechanical strength for transport |
| Efficiency | Ensures uniform material compression | Consistent combustion and higher market value |
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References
- Nagini Yarramsetty, Neverov V.S.. Sustainable Energy from Biomass Waste: Design and Fabrication of a Screw Briquetting Machine with Calorific Value Assessment. DOI: 10.14445/23488360/ijme-v12i11p105
This article is also based on technical information from Kintek Press Knowledge Base .
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