Briquettes are a popular alternative energy source because they’re efficient and better for the environment than fossil fuels. Among the different types, coconut shell briquettes are getting more popular since they burn well, produce less smoke, and last longer. To make good briquettes, a few things need to be just right during the manufacturing process. Every step, from picking the raw materials to the final touches, has to be done carefully to create top-notch products, like the
coconut shell charcoal briquette, which is known for its great qualities.
The key things that affect the quality of briquettes are the raw materials, moisture level, printing pressure, and carbonization methods. Each of these plays a big part in making briquettes that last long, burn steadily, and are super efficient.
Selection of the Right Raw Materials
Raw materials are super important for the quality of briquettes. The coconut shells need to come from older coconuts since they have more carbon. If the shells are too young, the briquettes might not burn well and can be pretty brittle.
Also, you gotta think about how clean the raw materials are. Any dirt or leftover fibers on the coconut shell can mess with the carbonization process, which means the briquettes might not burn as well as they should.
Perfect Carbonization Process
Carbonization is the process of turning raw materials into charcoal by burning coconut shells at a certain temperature without oxygen. This process greatly affects the quality of the briquettes produced.
If the carbonization process is done well, the resulting charcoal has a high carbon content and low ash content, which means the burning will be more stable and produce less residue. The ideal temperature for this process is between 400–600°C to get high-quality charcoal.
Moisture Content in Briquettes
The moisture level in briquettes is also an important factor that affects their quality. Briquettes with too much moisture will be hard to light and tend to produce more smoke. On the flip side, if the moisture is too low, the briquettes can become brittle.
The ideal moisture content for briquettes is around 5-10%. To get the optimal moisture level, the drying process needs to be done right, whether using direct sunlight or a drying oven.
Pressure in the Printing Process
The process of making briquettes needs the right pressure so that the briquettes have good density. The higher the pressure applied during the making, the denser and sturdier the briquettes will be.
Briquettes with high density burn longer, making them more efficient to use. Plus, the right density also affects how well the briquettes hold up against moisture and the risk of breaking easily during storage or transport.
Using Natural Adhesives
To make sure the briquettes are strong, it’s really recommended to use natural adhesives like tapioca flour. The adhesive helps hold the charcoal particles together so the briquettes don’t break apart easily when used.
The ideal adhesive composition is usually around 3-5% of the total raw materials. Using too much adhesive can make the briquettes produce more smoke when burned while using too little can make them break easily.
Good Cooling and Storage Process
Once the briquettes are done being molded and dried, the next step is cooling them down before packaging. Briquettes that aren’t completely cool before being stored can change in quality due to condensation, which might increase their moisture content.
Good storage also plays a role in keeping the briquettes’ quality so they don’t easily absorb moisture. It’s best to store briquettes in a dry place with good air circulation to avoid damage during storage.
Conclusion