Production of fuel briquettes from esparto partially pyrolyzed

The aim of this study is to prepare a solid fuel from the most abundant biomass of Morocco that can be used by the local population, and in particular by the rural ones, instead of the wood of forest, which is less available and its exploitation is negative for the environment. Esparto is the most available biomass, with a production of 560 000 tons annually of dry matter approximately. However, briquettes of esparto have low calorific power and their mechanical properties are bad. To improve the quality of the briquettes and to have an economically competitive product at the same time, the esparto was partially pyrolyzed at temperatures between 160 degrees C and 400 degrees C, and the pressure of densification has been examined. The combustion profile of the samples has been studied by applying the derivative thermogravimetry technique, and the mechanical properties of the briquettes were tested to evaluate the impact resistance and water resistance. This study showed that strong briquettes can be obtained with a higher calorific value when the esparto is partially pyrolyzed, and a relatively elevated densification pressure is applied. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.