An Overview on the Production of Bio-briquettes from Agricultural Wastes: Methods, Processes, and Quality

Abstract

Global energy demand is expected to increase in the next few years due to the corresponding increase in the world’s population. The world’s increasing energy demand is the ultimate reason to utilize alternate sources such as renewable energy. There are various forms of renewable energy sources. However, biomass is the always widely available source of renewable energy worldwide. Agricultural wastes such as rice husks, corn cobs, and bagasse results from various agricultural activities. These wastes are commonly left piled in the field to decompose or burn in open fires which consequently provide risks to the environment and animal and human health. The bio-briquettes product is suitable as an energy source commonly used for electricity generation, heat, and cooking fuel. They are the perfect replacement for wood logs. Hence, this review paper provides an overview of the utilization of various agricultural wastes into bio-briquettes. This review discusses the production, characterization, processing (preparation, size reduction, pyrolysis, binder addition, and densification -shaping and sizing), and quality evaluation methods of briquettes. This comprehensive review also presents the technology advancements, challenges, and future trends in the bio-briquetting industry.