Briquette Densification from Ground Hazelnut Husks and Sunflower Stalks under Compression Loading

Abstract

Briquetting of ground hazelnut husks and sunflower stalks was examined to determine the energy requirement, deformation, thickness and hardness. Four compression forces from 100, 200, 300 to 400 kN and a single speed of 5 mm/min were applied using the universal compression-testing equipment and a vessel diameter of 60 mm with a plunger. The results show that compression force had a significant effect on numerical energy, thickness and hardness of the densified briquettes of ground hazelnut husks and sunflower stalks. Deformation values of the densified briquettes were not significant in relation to the force effect. The densified ground sunflower stalks required lower energy compared to densified ground hazelnut husks. However, in terms of hardness and/or strength and durability, ground hazelnut husks briquettes could be suitable for energy use. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.