Palm-Based Biomass Briquettes 

Briquetting is a process of converting low bulk density biomass into uniform and higher density solid fuels at high pressure. This approach enhances its physical and combustion properties, and expands the use and marketability of palm biomass fuel either for domestic or export market. There are two main commercial technologies of briquetting available in the market namely; screw extrusion technology and piston press technology. MPOB has conducted R&D and commercial production of oil palm biomass briquettes using these both technologies.

Screw Extrusion Technology

In Screw Extrusion Technology, the Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) was extruded continuously by a screw through a taper die which is heated externally. No binder is required as the lignin of biomass helps in binding. The production trials produced 3 types of briquettes; 100% pulverized EFB briquettes, EFB-based briquettes mixed with sawdust at 2 different ratios. The general physical properties of produced palm briquettes can be summarized as follows: A cylindrical shape with 55mm of heptagon or hexagon diameter, 500mm in length, bulk density of 1300kg/m3 and average weight of 1.1 kg. 

Piston Press Technology

This technology offers a process system for the commercial production of palm biomass briquettes from EFB fibre and palm shell using piston press technology. The production of palm briquette involves two main processes, namely pre-treatment of EFB and the briquetting process. In the piston press, palm biomass is pressed in a die by a reciprocating ram at a very high pressure and moderate temperature. MPOB in collaboration with Global Green Synergy Sdn. Bhd. (GGS) has developed and conducted the process system and production trials using a piston press technology in a palm oil mill in Perak.  Binderless palm biomass briquettes were made from blended EFB fibre and palm shell. The presence of shell increases the specific density and calorific value (CV) of the product, thus making it comparable to the minimum CV of commercial coal. The product is a cylindrical log: 90 mm in diameter and 300 mm long. However, the length of the product can be customized based on request. The general specification of the blended EFB and shell briquettes are as follows:

• Calorific Value  : 17000–18500 kJ/kg

• Moisture content : < 10.0%

• Ash content :  < 6.0%

• Specific Density : 1100–1300 kg/m3