Even in the dawn of technological advancements and with the invention of electrical fireplaces, wood-burning fireplaces still appeal more to people. No one can blame them actually, the crisp sound of flame popping is really tempting (not to mention the beautiful glow and the dancing flame. However, the need to cut down trees to provide for the firewood needed by these indoor fireplaces is really frustrating, especially with global warming threatening earth as we know it. Of course we all know how vital trees as to keep our environment clean and livable. Many animals also depend on trees which comprise their habitats.
It is a good thing to know that man has invented alternatives for firewood, to slow down people from cutting-down trees for burning. Briquettes is one of these inventions. It is a non-conventional energy source which is made from agricultural wastes. Ground nut sheel, saw dust, husks, sugarcane bagase and other agricultural by-products can be recycled and made into briquettes.
The use of briquettes is really eco-friendly plus you get more from briquettes than the conventional firewood. For one instance, a cylinder of briquette gives out about 4200 kcal/kg energy or almost 3 times more than firewood. Briquettes also give out very little smoke, and has a lower ash content than firewood. More importantly, briquettes can be made by anyone, even you! I came accross this site which outlined the steps in making briquette, I hope you find it useful.
Step 1:
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Collect all the biomass you choose to be part of your briquette. Aside from charcoal fines and sawdust, all other biomass should go through a process. This process includes drying, grinding/thrashing and finally composting. The first two steps are easier compared to composting. It should take at least 24-48 hours of close attention. A good composted mix should not feel muddy rather than woody and granular.
Step 2:
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When the compost is ready, you can begin making the “briquette slop”. It’s a mixture of compost and the proportions of sawdust and some shreaded/soaked paper. The slop should be tested for consistency. For newbie briquetters this can be a trial-and-error process. But all is worthy once you get your final product.
Step 3:
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Test your “briquette slop”. You can do this by feeling the slop. First, get a handful of the slop and squeeze it with your hand, you should be squeezing the excess water. Then open your hands and observe if the squeezed slop took the shape of your closed hand, if it does this your slop is mixed right, if it doesn’t, try adding a little water or more sawdust and shreaded paper until you get the proper mix. Hold the squeezed slop and shake it, it should not fall-apart, if it does, repeat the mixing process. If the slop is all ready, prepare your mould.
Step 4:
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Briquettes are usually shaped like cylinders with hollows (more like a sharp-edged donut). Mold your “briquette slop” into these moulders by pressing the material into the mould. Press the slop hard to make sure is compressed inside the mould. After shaping the briquette, remove it from the mould. It will not fall apart and will retain the shape of your mould. Set aside and make more cylinders.
Step 5:
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Dry your briquettes for at least 5 days. The drier yout briquettes, the better it burns.
