Development and Evaluation of Low Pressure Multi Briquetting Machine for Rural Areas

A hand operated low pressure biomass multi briquetting machine was developed and evaluated which works using a screw press mechanism. The developed system mainly consists of multi square moulds, multi circular moulds, single circular mould pressing plates, base plate, supporting stand and steering wheel. Rice husk, tamarind kernels, groundnut shells, and sawdust were used as raw materials along with cow dung and tamarind powder as binding material for preparation of briquettes. The developed machine was tested with various combinations of agricultural residues and developed various combinations and proportions of raw material briquettes and studied the thermal and physical properties of developed briquettes. The developed machine is low cost and simple in operation and able to produce sixty briquettes per hour.