Design of a biomass Briquetting machine

Abstract

The ever rising cost of gas and petroleum, coupled with the decreasing availability of wood due to deforestation, has drawn attention to consider alternative sources of energy in the world such as renewable energy technologies. The latter are guarded energy sources that have lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies. This project was proposed by a local olive oil producer aiming to design a briquetting machine that compacts, quick dries and produces better quality briquettes than the pre-existing compactors. The design will require less labor; contain multi-preparation stages for producing the quality briquettes as well as being cheaper than the machines available in the market. The multi stage production consists of a Grinder, a Mixer, and a Piston Press. The grinder is intended to reduce the olive biomass to no more than 2mm in size; an important parameter for the surface quality of the briquette. The mixer is used to blend all the components such as the binder (starch) and water (if needed) in a homogeneous manner. That included the addition of starch about 15% by weight to the mixture, as for addition of water depending on whether the biomass was left for a long period standing or was fresh. As for the piston press, it would contain about 20 pistons of 8cm in diameter that compress simultaneously. A desired force of approximately 40KN is required to produce good quality briquettes. That included the addition of 15% of starch by weight and of water. The latters addition depended on whether the biomass is left for a long period or is fresh obtained within a short period of time after the milling process. To insure that the design is safe an applicable structural analysis, using finite element method, of the selected design was conducted, hence, proving it feasible and safe. Sizing and component selection for the machine were accomplished.