Briquettability of lignite and woody wastes composite fuel

Woody wastes have favorable burning characteristics compared to lignite, as well as low ash content and reduced smoke emission. The aim of this study was to blend lignite with woody wastes to obtain a solid fuel that retains the advantageous characteristics of woody materials. Blends with lignite we re made up with 7, 9, 15 15 and 20% of waste and then briquetted under pres sures of 400, 550, 700, and 800 MPa. Sunflower shell, sawdust, and paper mi ll wastes were used in different amounts with molasses as binder. Studies w ere carried out on a laboratory scale to determine optimum parameters for b riquetting, such as moisture content of lignite and pressure. Briquetting o f lignite without waste materials produces products of low strength. The st rongest briquettes were obtained with waste contents of 12-20% and lignite moisture contents of 10-12% at briquetting pressures of 550, 700, and 800 M Pa. Briquettes with adequate mechanical strength are obtained from lignite- waste blends with the addition of 8% molasses.