Determining Briquetting Parameters for Peach Tree Pruning Residues for Biofuel

Abstract

This study examined the peach tree pruning residues for solid biofuel purposes. The residues were briquetted using a hydraulic briquetting machine with a horizontal course. Solid cylindrical briquettes were produced under four different compression pressures (P: 40, 80, 120 and 160 MPa), with moisture contents (M10: 8%-10% and M15: 13%-15%) and particle size (PS: 2 mm). Physical properties (briquette density, tumbler and shatter indexes) and thermal properties (gas emission values after combustion, ash content and calorific values) of the briquettes were measured. The study found an optimum briquetting pressure of 160 MPa and optimum moisture content of M15 for peach tree pruning residues.