Abstract

Agricultural residues are producing in large amount but they are used inefficiently that pollute the environment. Apart from the problems of transportation, storage, and handling, the direct burning of loose biomass in conventional grates is associated with very low thermal efficiency and widespread air pollution. To overcome these problems the biomass materials is compressed as 1000 kg/m³ and can increase its density and durability. In this study a machine was designed to densify grinded biomass materials at optimum level of density to obtain more than 90% durability. The machine was consist on power screw and slotted tapper die. The grinded material of particle size less than 5 mm and moisture contents less than 12% passed through hopper and power screw which was rotating at 300 rpm with a 15 kW electric motor compressed this material through tapper die which was heated externally by electric heaters. The capacity of machine was 200 kg/h. The payback period of machine was 4 months.

Keywords: Crop residue; Biomass extruder; Machine design; Fabrication; Briquette