An Experimental Study on Binderless Briquetting of Low-Rank Coals

The potential of binderless briquetting as a means of transforming low-rank coals into low moisture high grade solid fuel products has been studied. Using two dried low-rank coals, binderless briquettes with high mechanical strength have been successfully produced through mechanical compression. An increase in heating value was achieved as a result of moisture reduction in the briquettes compared to as-received coals. The residue moisture content in the briquettes had a predominant effect on briquetting characteristics and there existed an optimum moisture content for the maximum briquettes strength. The chemical structure and wettability of binderless briquettes were analyzed using FTIR and contact angle measurement. The results showed that hydrophobicity and chemical structure significantly affected the briquette properties.