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A Study of Biomass Briquette in Bangladesh

Thesis · December 2011

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2279.3680

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A STUDY OF BIOMASS BRIQUETTE IN BANGLADESH

Authors
Hafizul Islam Roll No: 2008 180 21

Md. Mahmudul Hasan Roll No: 2008 180 25

Tanvir Ahmed Siddique Roll No: 2008 180 58

Supervisor
Md. Mahbubul Alam, PhD
Professor & Head of the Department,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET)

MILITARY INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MIST)

Miprur Cantonment, Dhaka- 1216.

B. Sc Thesis Paper
December, 2011
DECLARATION
This thesis titled “A Study of Biomass Briquette in Bangladesh” has been prepared to be
submitted to the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Military Institute of Science and
Technology (MIST), as a partial requirement for completion of B. Sc in Mechanical Engineering
degree. While any and all errors of fact, omission and misquotes are solely our responsibility,
we firmly assure that to our best knowledge the paper has been prepared without any
replication other than the places where due reference has been provided.

Authors Supervisor

Hafizul Islam
Roll: 2008 180 21 Md. Mahbubul Alam, Phd,
Professor & Head of the Department,
Department of Mechanical
Engineering,
Bangladesh University of Engineering
&Technology (BUET).
Md. Mahmudul Hasan
Roll: 2008 180 25

Tanvir Ahmed Siddique

Roll: 2008 180 58

I
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We are in high debt to many people, without whose kind cooperation, completion of the thesis
might not have been possible. It would be remiss not to acknowledge them at the end of our
thesis.

First and foremost we convey our greatest gratitude to the great lord Allah who has made us
this able and granted us success.

We express deepest appreciation to our thesis supervisor Prof. Md. Mahbubul Alam for his
continuous attention and cooperation. Without his proper guideline and advice, so to speak
the truth, it would have been nearly impossible to carry out the thesis.

Regarding the lab tests, we are highly thankful to MIST and BUET for allowing us to use their
labs and we are also thankful to the lab assistants for their kind cooperation.

Special thanks to the Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIST for continuous support and
assistance.

Finally a bundle of warm wishes and thanks to our group members for continuous support and
cooperation, without which it would have been impossible to complete the thesis with desired
conclusion.

Thanking you,

Hafizul Islam,
Mahmudul Hasan,
Tanvir Ahmed Siddique.

II
ABSTRACT
Biomass Briquette, a dense form of bio-fuel has gained a large popularity in poor developing
countries as an alternate cooking fuel. Within a short period it has replaced traditional fuels for
its availability and high acceptance in user level. In a country like Bangladesh, where 67%
people relay on traditional bio-fuel for energy, briquette has received an immense response.
Although large volume of work has been done on developing its production process, little data
is available on its physical and fuel properties and reasons behind its high acceptance. The aim
of our thesis was to determine the physical and fuel properties of briquette and conduct field
survey to study the local acceptance to the new fuel. Extensive experiments have been
conducted to establish the physical and fuel properties of briquette, at the same time survey
was conducted in different districts in user level (both residential and commercial) to find the
advantages and disadvantages of the fuel and investigate the reasons behind its high
popularity. This thesis paper consist the results of our findings and might prove useful in case
of introducing a new fuel to any developing nation.

III
NOMENCLATURE
Serial No Property Unit
1 Energy 1 MW= 1 Mega Watt = 106 Watt
2 Energy 1 kwh = 1 kilo watt hour = 1 unit
3 Energy 1 PJ = 109 MJ
4 Energy Cal = calorie
5 Mass 1 Metric Ton or Ton = 1000 Kg
6 Mass 1 mon = 40 Kg
7 Mass 1 gm = 1 grams = 10-3 kilograms
8 Pressure 1 Mega Pascale = 106 Pascles
9 Length 1 micron = 10-6 meter
10 Length 1mm= 10-3 meter
11 Volume 1 tcf = 1 trillion cubic feet = 109 cubic feet
12 Calorific value 1 cal/gm = 1 Kcal/Kg = 0.0041858 KJ/gm
13 Density 1 Kg/m3 = 1 kilogram per meter3
14 Compressive strength 1 MPa = 1 Mega Pascal = 106 Pascal
15 Temperature 1 oC = 1 Degree Celsius
16 Time Mins = Minutes
17 Currency 1 USD = 79 Taka (BDT or Tk)

IV
CONTENT
DECLARATION I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT II

ABSTRACT III

NOMENCLATURE IV

CONTENT V

LIST OF FIGURES X

LIST OF TABLES XII

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Motivation of Study 2

1.3 Objective of Study 4

1.4 Field Scenario 4

Chapter 2: ENERGY UTILIZATION SCENARIO IN BANGLADESH 6

2.1 Country overview 6

2.1.1 Geography 6
2.1.2 Population 6
2.1.3 Climate 6
2.1.4 Economy 6

2.2 Energy Fields in Bangladesh 8

2.2.1 Electrical Energy 8

2.2.2 Biomass Energy 9
2.2.3 Fossil Fuels 9

2.3 Energy Crisis in Recent Years 11

V
 2.4 Alternative Energy Sector 11

2.4.1 Solar Energy 11

2.4.2 Wind Energy Resources 12
2.4.3 Solar Cooker, Biomass Cooker and Rice Husk Gasifier 12
2.4.4 Biogas Plants 13
2.4.5 Micro Hydro Plants 14
2.4.6 Tidal Power Plant 14

Chapter 3: BIOMASS DENSIFICATION 15

3.1 Biomass Densification Technology 15

3.1.1 History of Biomass Densification Technology 16

3.1.2 Biomass Densification Technology at Present 16
3.1.3 Future Prospect of Biomass Densification Technology 17

3.2 Biomass Briquette 18

3.3 Raw Material Used in Briquette Production 19

3.4 Advantages of Biomass Briquette 20

Chapter 4: BIOMASS DENSIFICATION TECHNOLOGY IN BANGLADESH 21

4.1 History of Biomass Briquette in Bangladesh 21

4.2 Raw Materials Used in Bangladesh 22

4.3 Briquette at Present in Bangladesh 23

4.4 Distribution of Biomass Briquette 26

Chapter 5: BRIQUETTE PRODUCTION 28

5.1 Briquette Production System 28

5.1.1 Biomass Pre-heater 28

5.1.2 Biomass- fired Die Heating Stove 29
5.1.3 Smoke Removal System 30

5.2 Operation 31

5.3 Development of Briquette Packages 32

5.3.1 Package 1: Diesel System 33

5.3.2 Package 2: Electric System 33
5.3.3 Package 3: Vietnamese Design System 33

VI
 5.4 Economic Analysis of Briquette System 34

5.5 Repair and Maintenance 34

Chapter 6: TEST SAMPLES 35

6.1 Specimen 35

6.1.1 Specimen 1 35
6.1.2 Specimen 2 35
6.1.3 Specimen 3 35
6.1.4 Specimen 4 36

6.2 Sample Preparation 36

Chapter 7: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BRIQUETTE 37

7.1 General Description and Dimension 37

7.1.1 Shape 37
7.1.2 Construction 37
7.1.3 Surface Finish 37
7.1.4 Colour 37
7.1.5 Dimension 37

7.2 Density 37

7.2.1 Definition 37
7.2.2 Experiment Procedure 37
7.2.3 Results 38

7.3 Compressive Strength 38

7.3.1 Definition 38
7.3.2 Experiment Procedure 38
7.3.3 Results 38

7.4 Thermal Properties 39

7.4.1 Experimental Procedure 39

7.4.2 Observation 39

7.5 Water Absorption Properties 39

7.5.1 Experimental Procedure 39

7.5.2 Observation 39

VII
Chapter 8: FUEL PROPERTIES OF BRIQUETTE 41

8.1 Calorific Value or Heating Value 41

8.1.1 Definition 41
8.1.2 Equipment 41
8.1.3 Procedure 41
8.1.4 Results 41

8.2 Proximate Analysis 42

8.2.1 Definition 42
8.2.2 Equipment 42
8.2.3 Procedure 42
8.2.4 Results 42

8.3 Carbon Residue 43

8.3.1 Definition 43
8.3.2 Equipment 43
8.3.3 Procedure 43
8.3.4 Results 44

8.4 Residue after Direct Heating 44

8.4.1 Definition 44
8.4.2 Equipment 44
8.4.3 Procedure 44
8.4.4 Results 44

Chapter 9: BRIQUETTE BURNING DEVICES 45

Chapter 10: FIELD SURVEY 49

10.1 Reasons Behind High Acceptance 51

10.2 List of Limitations 52

Chapter 11: LIMITATIONS 53

11.1 Problems Encountered with Briquette Technology 53

11.1.1 Supply and Quality of Grid Electricity 53

11.1.2 Short Life of Screw 53
11.1.3 Short Life of Die Heater 53
11.1.4 Short Life of Die Barrel 54
` 11.1.5 Main Bearing Problem 54
11.1.6 Health Problem of Operator or Mechanic 55

VIII
 11.2 Problems Associated with Rice Husk 55

11.2.1 Rice Husk Availability 55

11.2.2 Quality and Supply of Rice Husk 55
11.2.3 Storage Problem 56

11.3 Briquette Storage Problem 56

Chapter 12: FUTURE POTENTIAL 57

Chapter 13: CONCLUSION 59

13.1 Outcome of study 59

13.1.1 Physical Property Study 59

13.1.2 Fuel Property Study 59
13.1.3 Field Level Study 59

13.2 Recommendations 60

13.3 Conclusion 61

REFERENCE 62

APPENDICES 63

A: Details of Experiments 63

B: Detailed Survey Report 74

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS 82

IX
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Energy consumption sectors in Bangladesh 2

Figure 1.2: Energy sources in Bangladesh 3

Figure 2.1: Geographical map of Bangladesh 7

Figure 3.1: Total energy sources scenario of the world 15

Figure 3.2: Total energy consumption scenario by source 18

Figure 3.3: Biomass briquette 19

Figure 4.1: Percentage of rice production in Bangladesh 22

Figure 4.2: Annual rice husk production in Bangladesh 23

Figure 4.3: Briquette production distribution in Bangladesh 24

Figure 4.4: Number of briquette production machines in different districts 25

Figure 4.5: Biomass briquette distribution system 27

Figure 5.1: Schematic diagram of a biomass briquette production system 28

Figure 5.2: Front view of die-heating stove for briquetting machine 30

Figure 5.3: Schematic diagram of smoke removal system 31

Figure 5.4: The improved briquetting system in operation 32

Figure 5.5: Schematic of the briquetting system run by diesel engine/electric motor 33

Figure 5.6: Showing welding and grinding of screw 34

Figure 6.1: Briquette sample from Sylhet 35

Figure 6.2: Briquette sample from Khulna 35

Figure 6.3: Briquette sample from Sirajgong 36

Figure 6.4: Enlarged view of rice husk 36

Figure 6.5: Mortar and Pestle 36

Figure 6.6: Sintering Net of Grade size 60 36

Figure 6.7: Electronic weight machine 36

Figure 7.1: Stacks of biomass briquette 37

X
Figure 7.2: Densities of different samples and rice husk 38

Figure 7.3: Time vs. Temperature curve 39

Figure 7.4: Weight vs. Time curve for water absorbance test 40

Figure 8.1: Calorific values of different samples 42

Figure 8.2: Briquette constituent by percentage (average value) 43

Figure 8.3: Percentage of Carbon Residue in various samples 44

Figure 9.1: IGS fabricated by RONAST 45

Figure 9.2: IGS with two pot support 45

Figure 9.3: Double Tiered Stove, stove designed and fabricated by RONAST 45

Figure9.4: Economic Single Tiered, designed and fabricated by RONAST 45

Figure 9.5: Institutional type biomass gasifier stove, developed at AIT 46

Figure 9.6: Schematic diagram of different components of biomass gasifier stove 47

Figure 9.7: Stoves tested by AIT 48

Figure 9.8: Cook stoves from Thailand, collected and tested by AIT 48

Figure 10.1: Briquette price at different regions of the country 50

Figure 10.2: Advantages supported by users in % 51

Figure 11.1: Worn out screw and die heater coil 53

Figure 11.2: Locally evolved die heater and barrel 54

Figure 11.3: Disassembled machine during main bearing replacement 54

Figure 11.4: An operator facing eye problem after restoring the screw 55

Figure 11.5: Storage of rice husk in a briquette factory 56

Figure 11.6: Rice husk left on open field 56

Figure 11.7: Briquette wrapped with polythene sheet for water protection in a shop 56

XI
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1: Estimates of energy supplied by traditional biomass fuels 9

Table 3.1: Characteristics of various compositions of raw materials 20

Table 5.1: Technical Specifications of the Briquetting Machine 29

Table 5.2: Outcome of Economic Analysis of Briquetting system (2004) 34

Table 7.1: Density of different samples tested at lab 38

Table 7.2: Data chart for rise in temperature with time. 39

Table 7.3: Weight of different samples under water at various time periods 40

Table 8.1: Data chart for Calorific Value of different samples 42

Table 8.2: Data chart for Proximate Analysis 43

Table 8.3: Data chart for Carbon Residue test 44

Table 8.4: Data chart for unburned carbon for different samples 44

Table 9.1: Efficiency of different briquette burning stoves, with rice husk briquette 46

Table 10.1: Briquette availability in regions concerned 50

Table 10.2: Highlights of user review on use of Briquette 50

XII
INTRODUCTION Chapter 1

1.1 Introduction
From the beginning of human race, human beings have been consuming energy. A world
without energy cannot be imagined. At every step of life, human depends on energy. Energy
runs the civilization. The world is based on various types of energy. The demand for energy is
increasing day by day.

Global primary commercial energy consumption has grown at an average annual rate of about
2% per year over the last two hundred years; during 1990-2000, the consumption increased by
11%. The more development will occur in human civilization, the more energy will be
consumed. Currently, conventional commercial energy sources such as coal, petroleum oil,
natural gas, nuclear and hydropower, account for 85-90% of global primary energy
consumption; fossil fuels account for approximately ninety percent of the conventional
commercial energy consumption [1].

Since developing countries are at initial stages of industrialization, their energy consumption
has been growing at greater rates compared with developed countries. Again the developed
countries also try to consume as much energy as they can. The whole world is now in a race to
meet their demand with limited energy sources.

The trend of growth in global energy consumption is expected to continue in the future,
primarily because of the expected growth in world population and the expected economic
growth of the developing countries. But the dependence on fossil fuels cannot be continued in
the future due to various reasons. One of these is the negative environmental impact of using
fossil fuels, particularly climate change and the other is the depletion of the reserves of fossil
fuels. The biggest source of greenhouse gas emission is the combustion of fossil fuels e.g. CO2
and thus causes global warming. Again the other major sources of energy such as coal or gas
have the problem of limited sources. Nuclear or hydraulic sources of energy are costly and are
not possible for all the countries.

So the world is now in extreme energy crisis. This will become a more severe condition in
future. The developed countries may compensate this crisis by their dominancy over a major
portion of energy sources. But the developing countries like Bangladesh face a lot of problems.
They cannot meet their demand properly by the limited sources. Their development activities
to a more civilized and economic condition are hampered largely. For example, Bangladesh
cannot produce enough electricity at present and thus cannot supply to the garments, industry,
household etc according to the demand due to scarcity of natural gas. That’s why; the world is
now in search of alternative energy and meets their demand as much as they can by these.

From the reasons above illustrated, renewable energy is now a popular energy sources
throughout the world. The countries throughout the world give preference to the most suitable
use of the renewable energy. The application of renewable energy as an alternative energy
sources has gained popularity due to various reasons. It almost eliminates all the limitations
mentioned above. It is available. It is cost effective. The most important reason that attracts the
people is its environment friendly characteristics. This energy source does not produce any
environment polluted gas thus keeping the environment safe.

1
Among all the sources of renewable energy, biomass covers the largest portion. It provides
basic energy requirements for cooking and heating of rural households in developing countries.
Use of biomass fuels is also well established in certain commercial establishments and
industries. In developed countries, biomass energy use in developed countries is mainly for
space heating and power generation. The biomass fuels could potentially provide a much more
extensive energy service than at present if these were used efficiently.

Utilization of biomass residues and wastes is often difficult due to their uneven and
troublesome characteristics. This limitation can be overcome by means of biomass densification
technology. This technology provides biomass products of higher density and regular shape.
Densification technology makes the biomass fuel more effective and cost effective. That’s why;
this technology has aroused a great deal of interest worldwide in recent years.

Biomass briquette is the product of biomass densification technology. Briquette is a type of

solid fuel in a compacted form. Raw materials are compressed with the application of pressure
thus increase the density. That’s why; it is known as biomass densified fuel. Biomass briquette
is produced from various kinds of raw materials. The most common raw materials are rice
husk, saw dust and forest residues. Biomass briquette has an improved characteristic.

There are still a lot of limitations in briquette production technology. These limitations may
decrease the efficiency of biomass briquette. That’s why, continuous works are being done to
identify the problems and solve them. So, this technology is regarded one of the most updated
technology in the world. Latest technologies are applied to this sector especially in developed
countries which is being done in developing countries too.

1.2 Motivation of the Study

There is a huge mismatch between energy demand and supplied from corresponding energy
sources as mentioned before. As a developing country, the condition of Bangladesh is more
severe.

There are a variety of energy consumers in Bangladesh and the demand for each consumer is
increasing day by day. The following Fig. shows the various classes of energy consumers.

Figure 1.1: Energy consumption sectors in Bangladesh [2]

2
So the major consumption is occurred in Bangladesh in residential and industry area. But the
99urpose of demand varies from sector to sector such as residential demand for mainly
cooking and industrial demand for production. These demands are provided by the continuous
energy supply from various sources. The Fig. 1.2 provides information about the major energy
sources since 1971.

Figure 1.2: Energy sources in Bangladesh [2]

So the major energy source in Bangladesh is the fossil fuels such as petroleum oil, natural gas.
Generally natural gas covers the major portion of energy sources in Bangladesh. But at present,
it has become very hard to supply sufficient demand. Due to lack of technological support and
financial support, the identification of new gas source and the transportation from the source
cannot be done properly. For this, the energy supply is hampered to the industry, electricity
generation and residential area. Recently, to give more concentration, the new supply of gas
for domestic purpose is almost closed by government.

Thus the other alternative sources are being tried to meet the demand. For example, nuclear or
hydraulic plant but these are costly and take long time for construction. The tradition fuel e.g.
wood still largely is used for cooking purpose especially in rural areas. This significantly
decreases the problem of shortage of gas supply. But this also has a negative effect. To supply
this huge amount of wood, trees are cut down and it harms the environment. There is an only
6% dense forest of total area of Bangladesh. Presently the deforestation rate is 4 hectare per
hour [3].

Considering all these limitations, renewable energy is given preference at present and biomass
products attract more concentration. The waste biomass products like rice husk, rice straw,
sawdust, jute stick etc. account for a substantial share in total energy consumption of
Bangladesh. The main problems of this energy are their low bulk densities and high moisture
content as well as this traditional energy is not in an organized form. People have to spent time
to gathering and drying of a bulk volume before using. Biomass densification process can
transform this biomass into solid high bulk densities known as biomass briquette.

Biomass briquette has become very much popular within a short time. But it still has a lot of
limitations. In Bangladesh, some works are done on production side. But significant works are
not done on its properties and socio-economic aspect in Bangladesh.

3
Thus the reasons illustrated above inspired us to make an effort on biomass briquette. This
report contains the information of the work done on briquette gives a scenario of the present
condition of briquette in Bangladesh.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The foremost objective of the study was to understand the overall scenario of briquette
technology and its potential in Bangladesh. But time constrains and limitation of resources
confined us to following objectives.

- The physical and fuel properties of biomass briquette produced in Bangladesh was
not determined before. But to determine local production quality and compare with
the outside world, it is a prerequisite. So, the first objective was to determine the
physical and fuel properties.
- Biomass briquette is used in many districts in Bangladesh. So another objective was
to collect briquette from various districts and compare between them after
experimental tests.
- Production system was also another focusing portion of the study. It was tried to
take an idea as much as possible and to determine the limitations of the system.
- By comparing the outcome of the study with the rest of the world, it can be
determined the present condition of Bangladesh with respect to others. So it was
also another purpose to collect the data of other countries and compare with
findings in Bangladesh.
- The practical field condition was given great priority in this study. Because the
popularity of the fuel depends on various surrounding conditions of a region, it was
aimed to conduct a survey to determine the real condition on various areas.
- It was also tried to analyze the cost of biomass briquette in different channels of the
briquette distribution system.

So the overall objectives were to have an outcome of the study and thus determine limitations
of this system and provide a recommendation at the end of the study for further development
in Bangladesh.

1.4 Field Scenario

During the study, the real field scenario was a bit bumpy than expected. The surrounding
factors for briquette system are not same in all districts. There may be problem of availability
of raw materials and production system. So some major problems faced during the real field
study are illustrated below.

- The raw materials are not available everywhere. So the production system is not
established throughout the country. Specially, in Dhaka city or around this city,
there is no briquette production plant. During study, it was a major problem.
Because, for the study of production system, it was difficult to move to other
districts and then observe the detail production process.
- The briquette selling shop is also in the similar condition. In city’s largest kitchen
market, only one shop was found selling briquettes and around the Dhaka city,
there was a little number of briquette selling shops. So it became a problem to
collect briquette and analyze the cost.
- The people related to briquette production system do not have adequate
knowledge about the system. They become skilled due to continuous working with

4
 the machine. So they could not give the detail specifications of the machine such as
motor power, rpm, construction material etc. For this, we had to depend on
previously work done on machine by some researchers in Bangladesh.
- There was not guideline or recommendation for the physical and fuel properties
and testing procedure of biomass briquette. That’s why; we had to collect
information from the paper published on biomass briquette by various pioneers of
other countries.
- The data available are old. Latest data on briquette is not available. So it became
problem to determine the present condition of this densified biofuel in Bangladesh.
- During study, due to lack of support, some important characteristics could not be
determined such as chemical analysis. As efficient burning device is not still
introduced in our country, so it was not possible to determine the exact burning
efficiency of biomass briquette as well.

Despite all this adverse field scenarios, it was tried to make the study effective and fruitful so
that it can assist any further work on this discipline in near future.

5
ENERGY UTILIZATION SCENARIO IN BANGLADESH Chapter 2
2.1 Country Overview

2.1.1 Geography
0 0 0 0
Bangladesh lies between 20 34' and 26 38' North Latitude and 88 01' and 92 41' East
Longitude with a total landmass of 1,47,570 square kilometers (56,977 Sq. miles). Bangladesh
is surrounded by India on the West, North and Northeast, Myanmar on the Southeast and the
Bay of Bengal on the South. Bangladesh has a strategic location and acts as bridge between
South Asia and Southeast Asia.

2.1.2 Population

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics conducted a population census survey in the country on
January 23 to 27, 2001. The population of the country stood at 124.35 million in 2001. The
percentage of urban population was 23.52 while that of rural 76.47. Assuming medium variant
of declining fertility and mortality the country is expected to reach a population of 145.46
million by 2011 A.D [Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh 2008, BBS]. Latest census conducted in
2011 shows present population is around 160 million.

2.1.3 Climate

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy summer rain and high summer
temperatures. Winters are dry and cool. Main seasons prevail in Bangladesh are summer
(March-May), Rainy Season (June-September) and winter (December-February). South and
Southwest winds dominate from mid-April to mid-October and bring enormous amounts of
moisture from the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. 95% of the total rainfall, which
averages about 1733 millimeters, occurs during that period. The temperatures range from an
average of about 68 F (18C) in January to about 86 F (30C) in April.

2.1.4 Economy

Bangladesh has an agrarian economy, although the share of agriculture to GDP has been
decreasing over the last few years. Yet it dominates the economy accommodating major rural
labor force. From marketing point of view, Bangladesh has been following a mixed economy
that operates on free account [4].
Principal Industries: Readymade garments, Textiles, Chemical fertilizers, Pharmaceuticals, Tea
processing, Paper & newsprint, Cement, Light engineering, Sugar, Leather goods.

Principal Minerals: Natural gas, Coal, Lime, White clay, Silica sand.

Principal Exports: Readymade garments & knitwear, frozen fish, Jute & jute goods,
Pharmaceutical products, Tea, Leather products, Handicrafts, Chemicals.

6
Figure 2.1: Geographical map of Bangladesh [15]

7
2.2 Energy Fields in Bangladesh

2.2.1 Electrical Energy

Installed capacity
In FY 2007-08, the total installed generation capacity of Bangladesh Power Development Board
(BPDB) was 5202 MW including 1330 MW in Independent Power Producers (IPP) and 58 MW
in Rental Power Plant [4].

Generation
In FY 2008, the maximum available generation of BPDB was only 4130 MW. The reasons for
lower availability were 1) some plants were out of operation for maintenance, rehabilitation &
overhauling, 2) capacity of some plants were derated due to aging, 3) gas shortage and 4) due
to lack of rainfall in Kaptai lake, sending the rule curve (80 feet above mean sea level (msl)
instead of 90 feet msl, standard for this time of the year) to a historic low. The net generation
by BPDB and IPPs was 24311.15 GWh (BPDB 15173.45 GWh, IPP 9137.70 GWh). The net overall
thermal efficiency of the generators in the public sector in FY 2008 was 31.81%.

In the East zone electricity generation was mainly by indigenous gas based power plants and a
small percentage from hydro power plant. In the West zone, imported liquid fuel, domestic
coal and natural gas were used for generation of electricity. Low cost electricity generated in
the East zone, was also transferred to the West zone.

Under Private Sector power generation policy and guidelines in 1996 and 1998 small industries
are generating their electrical power. The captive power generation is around 1800MW.

The Rural Electrification Board (REB) is charged with the responsibility to provide financial
support, technical oversight, and long-term direction to the rural electrification program in
Bangladesh. REB consumes about 32.26% power of BPDB. In the aim of alleviating the power
shortage problem of the country, the Ministry of Energy, decided to go for Small scale power
generation on Build Own Operate (B.O.O.) basis under the auspices. Up to June2008 REB had
105 MW power plants with net production of 70.87 GWh/year. REB is purchasing maximum 14
MW and minimum 6 MW or in average 10 MW captive powers [4].

Demand and deficiency

The forecast demand was 5569 MW as per updated Power System Master Plan (PSMP-2006).
Due to shortage of available generation capacity with respect to BPDB had to resort to load
shedding, which varied up to 32.57% of the maximum demand. In FY 2008 load shedding was
imposed on 358 days. During the year the total duration of grid failure was for 82 hours and
five minutes.

Currently only 44 percent of the total population has access to electricity and per capita
generation is only 174 kWh (Bangladesh Economic Review 2008). According to 2006-2007
report per capita electricity generation and consumption are 168.08kWh and 149.97kWh
respectively.

According to the National Energy Policy the projected demand in 2005 of 5,720 MW will
increase gradually to 11,794 MW by 2020 for low economic growth of 6% and for a higher
growth rate of around 8% it should be 17580 MW [4].
8
2.2.2 Biomass Energy

The major part of energy consumed comes from biomass which is used mostly for cooking in
rural areas and for rural industries. It forms 68% of total energy supply while 32% is supplied
by commercial energy (including hydro power). At present 12 million tons of coal equivalent
biomass is consumed in the industrial and domestic sectors along with commercial energy. Fire
wood forms only 10% of the supply.

Table 2.1: Estimates of energy supplied by traditional biomass fuels (‘000’ tons of coal
equivalent) year 2003-04.

Bagasse 392
Fire wood 1272
Twigs and Leaves 1537
Other wastes 1361
Total 12258

Cow-dung is 2502 million tons, Jute sticks 922 million tons, Rice straw 1218 million tons and
Rice hulls 2854 million tons also support consumption.

The consumption of biomass has remained stagnant over the years. However efficient and
effective biomass technologies can improve energy supply from biomass.

[Source: BBS (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics)]

2.2.3 Fossil Fuels

Gas
The first commercial gas discovery was made in Haripur in 1955. Ever since then, exploration
efforts have resulted in discovery of 23 gas fields of which 16 are currently in production, 4 are
non-producing and 2 are suspended as partially depleted. Most of the initial discoveries took
place in the late fifties and early sixties when the Rashidpur, Kailashitila and Habiganj gas fields
were discovered by Shell during 1960-1963. At a smaller scale, a second spurt of discovery
took place in the late nineties, Bibiyana with proven reserve of 2.5tcf gas being the most
important. The latest discovery of gas took place in May 2006 with small discovery of 0.44 tcf
of gas at Barguna. There has been no major gas exploration effort since 1998 and no major
discovery of gas also happened thereafter.

According to the Gas Initially in Place (GIIP) data, Bangladesh has 21.3 tcf of proven gas (P1;
proved or with probably of 90 percent of greater or equal volume). Out of which 15.4 tcf is
recoverable and 7.7 tcf of gas has already been produced. Another 7.7 tcf gas is proven
remaining. In addition, there is 5.5 tcf of gas as probable recoverable (P2; probable or with
probability of 50 percent exceeding) reserves. There is also 7.7 tcf of gas possible recoverable
(P3; possible or with probability of 10 percent exceeding) reserves. Titas, Hobiganj, Kailastila,
Rashidpur, Bakhrabad, Jalalabad and Sangu are the major gas fields of Bangladesh (Gas
Reserve of Bangladesh (as of June 2008), Petrobangla). Country's gas production reached the
highest ever 1900 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) on 04.04.2009 riding on mounting output
of onshore gas supplies especially by the international oil companies (IOCs).

9
On the consumption side, the leading consumer is the power sector (42%). Consumption of the
sector would be higher if one includes gas consumed in captive power generation (11%). The
power sector is followed by fertilizer (15%), Industries (13%), Domestic consumers (10%) and
CNG (5%). Other minor consumer categories include Commercial (1%) and Tea sector (0.22%).

[Source: Petrobangla]

Coal
The total coal reserve in 5 coal fields of Bangladesh is estimated to be 2.9 billion metric tons
(table given below). This is energy equivalent to 67 tcf of gas. Recovery rate of coal from
reserves varies with the choice of technology and method of mining. Assuming a modest
recovery rate of 30 percent coal, the available reserve will translate to about 20 tcf of natural
gas equivalent.

No. Place/Field (Discovery) Depth Area Proven Reserve

(Meter) (Sq. Km.) (Million Ton)
1. Barapukuria, Dinajpur (1985) 119-506 6.68 390
2. Kailashpur, Rangpur (1995) 257-483 12.00 143 (GSB), 685 (Hosaf)
3. Phulbari, Dinajpur (1997) 150-240 30.00 572
4. Jamalganj, Jaipurhat (1965) 900-1000 16.00 1050
5. Dighirpar, Dinajpur (1995) 327 Yet to be known 200 (Partly evaluated)

[Sourcc: Petrobangla]

The discovered fields differ in respect of depth ranging between 119-506 meters and 150-240
meters in Barapukuria and Phulbari respectively. The depth of the coal field discovered in
Jamalganj is 900100 meters. The area covered by coal fields are rather limited and is about 70-
80 square kilometer area.

Out of the five coal fields discovered in Bangladesh, production is ongoing at Barapukuria Coal
Mines only. A total of 1.73 million metric tons of coal has been extracted from the mine till
December 2008. Coal mining at Phulbari and other coal fields now hinges on the Coal Policy
under consideration of the government. Approval of the Coal Policy is pending for quite some
time due to disagreements on two main issues, namely, (a) open pit versus share mining and
(b) compensation and rehabilitation of affected families.

Petroleum products
Petroleum products constitute about 23 percent of the commercial energy used in the
country. Bangladesh has insignificant domestic production of petroleum products. Petroleum
products are imported by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the designated authority
for the purpose. Bangladesh imports about 1.2 million tons of crude and 2.5 million tons of
refined oil each year. Total imports, including lubricants, vary from 3.2 to 3.7 million metric
tons per annum.

Bangladesh transport system depends almost totally on imported liquid fuels. Kerosene is used
widely for lighting in villages while diesel generators are getting unavoidable while the cost of
import is soaring high and becoming prohibitive [4].

10
2.3 Energy Crisis in Recent Years

Bangladesh is going through severe energy crisis in recent years. Deficiency of electricity is up
to 33% of total demand. The government is looking for quicker ways to generating electricity
thus switching to low capacity rental power plants. This is causing a rise in both fuel and
energy cost and rising environmental cost as well.

High demand for gas supply in power plants and industries is causing gas rationing in domestic
level as well. Daily production deficit is around 2000 cubic feet. The production is not enough
for city users let alone for rural level. Thus an alternate solution for domestic users has
become essential.

Rural level domestic users mainly relies on fire wood and kerosene stove for cooking but
scarcity of fuel wood and hiking of kerosene price is also forcing them to look for a substitute.

Bangladesh has a very limited reserve of gas and the store of oil and coal is almost negligible. It
mostly depends on imported fuels for its daily needs. Fuel prices are escalating rapidly in world
market creating high pressure on the country’s economy. Thus the country is desperately
looking for alternative energy sources.

2.4 Alternative Energy Sector

2.4.1 Solar Energy

The number of households powered by solar energy in Bangladesh is more than1 million with a
total power generation of around 100MW.Bangladesh has only 30% coverage of electricity in
the country, so solar has proven to be the best alternative for rural areas. Aided by non-
governmental organizations that provide low-cost loans to install solar panels, Bangladesh's
rural households — most of which are off the electricity grid — have driven a dizzying
expansion of solar power in recent years. In 2002, only 7,000 households were using solar
panels.

Solar energy is seeing a rapid expansion not just in the rural but also in the urban areas due to
government policies and existing energy crisis. Several organizations are now associated with
solar business and producing cheap rate solar power units but still it is highly expensive
comparing to fossil fuel energy.

Recently an assessment of solar energy resource over the country was conducted by
Renewable Energy Research Centre (RERC), University of Dhaka. The project was aided by
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF). In the
program RERC collected ground solar radiation data at RERC and seven other Bangladesh
Meteorological Department locations. The ground data were used along with 40 km resolution
map developed using CSR (Climatological Solar Radiation) model by National Renewable
Energy Laboratory, USA and 10 km resolution map developed using a satellite image by
German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany.

To estimate radiation values over Bangladesh sunshine duration and cloud cover measured by
Bangladesh Meteorological Department at 31 stations are used employing correlations
developed at RERC.

11
The final map of global horizontal irradiance, based on the measured data, theoretical model
derived data and satellite image derived data shows that monthly average solar global
radiation in Bangladesh is around 4.255kWh/m2/day and wind speed at the coastal area is
around 4.5m/s (Final report February 2007) [4].

2.4.2 Wind Energy

In Bangladesh, adequate information on the wind speed over the country and particularly on
wind speeds at hub heights of wind machines is not available. A previous study (1986) showed
that for the wind monitoring stations of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) the
wind speed is found to be low near the ground level at heights of around 10 meter. Chittagong
– Cox’s Bazar seacoast and coastal off-shore islands appeared to have better wind speeds.
Measurements at 20m and 30m heights have been made later on by BCAS, GTZ and BCSIR.
WERM project of LGED for measurements at the height of 20 and 30m have been going on for
20 locations all over Bangladesh.

However, The developed wind atlas of four coastal locations of Bangladesh, Charfassan,
Chittagong, Kutbdia and Cox`s Bazar using one year data of BCAS shows that at 50m height for
the roughness value from 0m (open sea, water areas) to 0.03m (farm land with very few
buildings, trees, airport areas etc.) the wind speed varies from 4.1 to 5.8 m/s with a power
density of 100 -250 w/m2. Wind energy density predicted by RISOE show locations with power
density above 200W/m2 over 2000km2 which is highly encouraging. If suitable turbines are
placed in this area with hotspots, 2000 MW of electricity can be produced easily. 300 wind and
diesel generator hybrid micro grids each of around 100kW can be placed in this area.

So far Bangladesh has only one wind farm in Kutubdia with 50 wind mills and production
capacity of 1MW. The country also has 20 mills installed in the cost line of Cox’s Bazar. There
are several mills located around the country but they are mostly insignificant [4].

2.4.3 Solar Cooker, Biomass Cooker and Rice Husk Gasifier

The contribution of biomass energy is two thirds of the total energy consumption in
Bangladesh. Biomass energy is mainly used for cooking and par-boiling by rural households and
by small rural industries such as rice mills and sugar industries. In order to meet the growing
energy demand, forest resources are being depleted at an alarming rate. It must be noted that
the introduction of high yielding varieties of rice crops has also reduced biomass production.
By virtue of Bangladesh’s geographical location, the use of solar energy for household lighting
and other sectors are emerging.

Population Census, 2001, Preliminary Report (provisional) shows that there are total 25307600
households in Bangladesh where in rural and urban areas the number is 20255957. About 67%
of rural household obtained firewood from own source whereas in urban areas 87.9% of
households bought firewood from others [Bangladesh Population Census 1991, Volume 4
Socio-economic and demographic report, published 1999]. The number of landless is
increasing. Hence in rural area the above 60% people may now be 50%. Therefore about 10
million solar cooker or improved biomass cooker can be installed in rural areas. In municipality
or urban areas the potential of improved cooker or solar cooker is not high.

12
Biomass gasification is viewed today as an alternative to conventional fuel. Biomass
gasification is the process of converting solid fuels (rice husk, wood/ wood-waste, agricultural
residues etc.) into a combustible gas mixture usually called the “Producer Gas” i.e. biomass
materials are gasified to produce “Producer Gas”. The technology can be used for both
thermal applications and power generation. About 40 -45,000,000 metric tons (MT) of Paddy is
annually produced in the country. Taking a 20% yield of husk, based on input paddy, this leads
to a production of 8 -9,000,000 metric tons of Rice Husk annually. Using the Biomass Gasifier
Technology and considering that about half of the husk is used for energy applications such as
domestic cooking, steam production for rice parboiling etc., the Theoretical Potential (E THEOR.)
is about half of the remaining husk i.e. 4 million MT / Yr. of husk, is estimated at a little over
about 400 MW of capacity, taking about 16-hr/day x 300 days of typical Rice Mill operation, if a
gross specific consumption of about 2 kg of husk per kWh of electricity generated. The
Technical Potential (ETECH).), however, considering many practical factors, based on the size,
number and the location of the rice mills, the estimate is indicative of about 100 MW which is
the typical electric load requirement about 500 Rice Mills amongst a total national rice mill
population of over 100,000, requiring an average electricity generation of about 200 kW (or
250 kVA) for each mill..

The Rice Mill Owners’ Association of Bangladesh reports over one hundred thousand rice mills
which are located in a scattered manner all over the country with about four (4) ‘cluster’ area.
Over ninety percent of these rice mills are reported to be in the smaller capacity ranges, i.e. <
20 -25 MT/day of Paddy processing capacity. The number of lower-mid-sized rice mills (with
paddy processing capacity range : > 25 -50 MT/day) are reported to be about 490 and that of
mid to large sized rice mills (30-120 MT/day) are about 50 units. As already mentioned,
primarily, about five (5) distinct ‘cluster’ areas of rice mills are known in the country - (i)
Dinajpur (North Bengal) (ii) Sherpur (near Bogra) (iii) Inshawerdi and (iv) Kaliakoir (near Dhaka),
where most of the rice mills are located in a dense manner, i.e. in close proximity to each
other. Hence, based preliminary surveys [ref.: Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, BRRI and
information from Rice Mill Owners’ Association], typically at least over 500 rice mills are
located in these cluster areas. Taking an average (lower-mid) capacity range of about 100-200
kW, there is a 50-100 MW power market in these cluster areas [4].

2.4.4 Biogas Plants

Already a good number of biogas plants have been installed. About 0.202 million poultry farms
are here where biogas plants can be readily installed. The number of families with 4 cows is 2.3
million, which are suitable for biogas plant implementation (Personal communication, Gofran,
Grameen Shakti, 4th July, 2009).

13
2.4.5 Micro Hydro Plants

Hydropower is an eco-friendly clean power generation method. The scope of hydropower

generation is very limited in Bangladesh because of its plain terrains except in some hilly
region in the northeast and southeast parts of the country. However there are lots of canals,
tributaries of main river Karnafuli, Shangu, Matamuhuri as well as tiny waterfalls having good
potentials for setting up mini/micro hydropower unit in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region.

2.4.6 Tidal Power Plant

Energy produced by utilizing the energy of tide in sea or ocean is called tidal energy. Recent
study shows that Bangladesh has some prospect in tidal power plants and plants of limited
capacity can be built in the coast line of Bay of Bengal.

14
BIOMASS DENSIFICATION Chapter 3

3.1 Biomass Densification Technology

Biomass densification technology is nothing but a technology used for the production of
densified biofuel which is a well-known alternate fuel throughout the world. Biomass
densification technology is used in compacting a low bulk density material into a product of
high density. Biomass densification technology refers to the technology used in the process
whereby biomass in the form of small particles like straw, sawdust or chips, is concentrated by
machines into small pellets or briquettes. Depending on the particular machine used, this
process increases the bulk density of the biomass by about 10 to 12 times its original bulk
density. The moisture content of the compacted biomass generally should be between 7% and
14%. If higher, the biomass will not compact easily, if lower it will not bind together as well.
This technology provides improved transportation and better storage of the biomass product.
It is also economic. Biomass densification technology has become a focusing technology
throughout the worldwide in recent years as a technique of beneficiation of residues for
utilization as energy source. To meet the demand of alternate fuel against the recent energy
crisis, this technology is being adopted by many countries at present. Research is being
promoted on this technology to improve its performance. So this technology is also regarded
as one of the latest technologies at present. Now it is equally popular in developed and
developing countries.

The following Fig. 3.1 provides the energy sources scenario of the whole world.

Figure 3.1: Total energy sources scenario of the world [5]

Renewable energy covers almost 8% of the total energy supplied and biomass covers 43% of
the total renewable energy supplied. So the most efficient and economic treatment of the
biomass products, is needed for the better use of this energy source. Biomass densification

15
technology fulfills this criterion and that’s why, it has become such a popular and well-known
technology at present throughout the world.

3.1.1 History of Biomass Densification Technology

Biomass densification technology has come to at present form after a continuous modification.
People have been using animal dung briquettes for cooking in rural Nepal since time
immemorial. These low-pressure traditional briquettes made from a mix of animal dung and
biomass (rice straw, jute sticks, etc) were of different shapes, sizes and composition. Though
inefficient, the burning of loose biomass created enough heat for cooking purposes and
keeping warm. The first commercial biomass briquetting plant in the country, Nepal Bio-
Extruder Industry, was established in 1982 in Thapathali, Kathmandu. Its annual production
capacity was 900 metric tons of briquettes. It used rice husk as raw material and a pyrolysis
technology to create the briquettes. Another factory with an annual production capacity of
1200 tons was established in Butwal in 1984 and a third one with an annual production of 600
tons followed in Dharan in 1984. They used a combination of rice husks and molasses. In
Nepal, lot of works has been done to improve the technology by producing biomass briquette
from various raw materials [6].

In 1925, Japan independently started developing technology to harness the energy from
sawdust briquettes, known as “Ogalite”. Between 1964 and 1969, Japan increased production
fourfold by incorporating screw press and piston press technology. The member enterprise of
830 or more existed in the 1960's. Europe and the United States has pursued and perfected
the reciprocating ram or piston press while Japan has independently developed the screw
press technology. Although both technologies have their merits and demerits, it is universally
accepted that the screw pressed briquettes are far superior to the ram pressed solid briquettes
in terms of their storability and combustibility. The new compaction techniques incorporated
in screw press machines made briquettes of higher quality than those in Europe. As a result,
European countries bought the licensing agreements and now manufacture Japanese designed
machines [7].

3.1.2 Biomass Briquette Technology at P resent

Biomass densification technology has been adopted throughout the world at present. But this
technology varies from country to country depending on the various factors such as economic
condition, energy demand, raw materials available etc.

The biomass technology available today for large scale production of densified biomass
depending on the type of equipment used, are briquetting and pelleting. Densified biomass
produced in developing countries is mostly in the form of briquettes, which are used
directly to substitute fuel wood or for carbonizing to produce briquetted charcoal; use of pellet
so far appears to be insignificant. Extrusion briquetting technology is well established, although
at a much smaller commercial scale than pelleting. The technology has been in use for decades.

Because of small and uniform size, pellets are particularly suitable for automatic auger-fed
combustion systems; densified biomass used in developed countries is mostly in the form of
pellets. Wood pelleting technology is well established through decades of commercial
production. Annual global wood pellet production capacity is estimated in excess of 10 million
metric tons. Current annual production in the United States and Canada is estimated in excess
16
of 3 million metric tons. The technology is well established and production capacity growth is
expected to continue.

Two common types of briquetting presses technology employed in developing countries at

present are heated-die screw press and piston press. It appears that heated-die screw press
technology was invented in Japan in mid-1940s. at present, the technology is being used by
most of its neighboring and nearby countries, particularly Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam,
Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, etc. The piston press technology is the dominant
technology in India, Brazil and Africa. While these are locally made in India and Brazil, the
African machines appear to be mostly imported.

Though there are differences in production technology and types of products, this technology is
seen almost everywhere in the world. In Asia, the countries such as China, India, Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand has adopted this technology significantly to meet their
increasing energy demand. The vast use of this technology is seen in this region due to
availability of raw materials, demand for cheap cooking fuel, low production cost etc.

In Africa, there has been an interest in biomass briquetting technology recently. There are large-
scale functioning briquetting plants in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Sudan, Zambia and
Zimbabwe. Biomass densification technology has found limited application certain other
countries such as Cameroon, Eritrea, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania etc. However this
technology in Africa appears to be limited to certain pockets in most countries.

In Latin America, densification technology is best established in Brazil, where it was introduced
around 1980. It appears that densification is not common in most other countries of Latin
America, although densified biofuels are known in Haiti since 1980.

North America (USA and Canada) and Sweden are the two largest producers of wood pellets at
present. In the USA, wood pellet industry became established in mid-1980s. At present, there
are about 60 pellet manufacturers in the country based on biomass densification technology. In
Germany, the use of densification technology started in the last few years by providing pellet
production; it is in early stage at present but interest is growing fast [1].

3.1.3 Future Prospect of Biomass Densification Technology

To get the maximum efficiency from this technology, each country tries to pay their best to
remove the various limitations of this technology. Thus it is expected to have a more effective
and efficient densification technology in near future to meet the extreme energy crisis [1].

The amount of raw materials potentially available for densification is huge in developing
countries. However, actual briquette production in developing countries is far below the
technical potential based on availability of raw materials. The future penetration of briquetting
technology in these countries will largely depend on the extent of removal of the barriers to this
technology. By eliminating these barriers such as lack of awareness about the technology, lack
of stable supply and price of raw materials, operation and maintenance problems, lack of
trained technicians etc, this technology will be applied to the practical field significantly.

The briquetting industry enjoys support from government agencies in only a few countries, e.g.
India. Without active government support and intervention, no significant growth of the
biomass briquetting industry is likely to occur in the near future. So the prospect of biomass
densification technology in near future largely depends on the proper assistance of the

17
government.

The future prospect of biomass densification technology also depends on the mismatch of
energy demand and supplied. These differences are increasing day by day due to rapid
consumption of major fuels such as petroleum, gas etc. That’s why; there is a scarcity of these
sources. To compensate this lacking, alternative sources are being given preference at present.
But not all the sources are efficient and cost effective. Considering all these factors it can be
expected that, markets for products based on densification technology will develop in the
future in places where energy crisis will exist and traditional and alternative fuel prices will be
increasing rapidly. The following Fig. 3.2 provides the scenario of rapid increasing energy
consumption.

Figure 3.2: Total energy consumption scenario by source [8]

Prospects of biomass densification appear to be improving as a result of growing concerns

regarding climate change. The developed countries, which have committed themselves to
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions according to the Kyoto Protocol, are introducing
programs to promote biomass densification technology. Prospects of densified biomass will, no
doubt, improve as a result for consumption in both domestic and export markets.

Thus biomass densification technology will be a fulfill technology in near future if it satisfies the
criteria mentioned above.

3.2Biomass Briquette

A briquette is a block of flammable matter which is used as fuel to start and maintain a fire.
Common types of briquettes are charcoal briquettes and biomass briquettes. Biomass
briquettes are made from agricultural waste and are a replacement for fossil fuels such as oil
or coal and can be used to heat boilers in manufacturing plants and also have applications in
developing countries. It is artificially made by pressing bulk material without binders into the
desired forms. Best briquette is produced by screw press machine which has a central hole on
it for better combustion. Biomass briquettes are a renewable source of energy and avoid
adding fossil carbon to the atmosphere. Biomass briquette must meet the safety, heath,
technical, trade and other requirements including provisions relating to the protection of the
environment. It is a product of biomass densification technology. Some common properties of

18
biomass briquette are given below:

- Hard and rigid.

- Normally cylindrical shape.
- Brown color.
- Small hole at center for better combustion.
- Outer diameter normally 56 to 60 mm.

The following figure provides a common form of biomass briquette.

Figure 3.3: Biomass briquette

3.3 Raw Materials Used in Biomass Briquette Production

For the production of biomass briquette, a variety of raw materials is used throughout the
world. The most common raw materials for heated-die screw-press briquetting machines are
saw dust and rice husk. Some other raw materials, coffee husk, tamarind seeds, tobacco stems,
coir pith and spice waste have also been used in India. Sawdust is the dominant raw material in
Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Korea. On the other hand, rice husk is the only raw material
used in Bangladesh, India due to huge production of rice husk annually. Peanut shell and cotton
stalk appear to the most important raw materials in Africa. The raw material mostly used in
developed countries is sawdust and wood wastes [1].

Besides the above, a lot of new biomass products are being applied to this technology to have a
better experience. This process becomes more significant when mixture of different biomass
products in different ratio is used. Many countries adopt this process at present to increase
efficiency. The following Table provides information about the research made by three
researchers in Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology on modification of the raw
materials.

19
 Table 3.1: Characteristics of various compositions of raw materials [9]

Materials Composition Compaction Remarks

RH + SD 50% + 50% Good Smooth Production

SD +BM 75 % + 25 % Good Smooth Production
RH +BM 75 % + 25 % Good Smooth Production
RH + SD 25% + 75% Good Smooth Production
RH + PN 75 % + 25 % Good Excessive Smoke
BM 100% Good Difficult

3.4 Advantages of Biomass Briquette

Biomass briquette is now a well-known alternative fuel. Because of its lots of physical and fuel
properties, it covers a major portion of the renewable energy sources. Some highlighting
advantages of briquette are given below:

- Higher bulk density than the raw materials. So more energy supplied per unit
volume occur.
- Reduces biomass losses by compacting under high pressure.
- Amount of moisture in a fuel affects the properties of a fuel. The more moisture, the
less burning efficiency. Biomass briquette contains less moisture than the other
traditional fuel.
- Because of its densified form, it is easy to store.
- It can be easily transported.
- Cost effective.
- Burning efficiency is better than wood. Easy to handle during burning. Less smoke
production,
- Has consistent fuel quality. The most common alternative to briquettes is wood
which is characterized by uneven shape and size. Its combustion quality is
unpredictable. That’s why; briquette dominates over it at present.
- Briquettes often have the image of an eco -friendly fuel.
- Reduces the destruction of forest by replacing the wood
- Can be made from any raw materials available in a particular region.
- Less complex production system.
- Various types of raw materials can be mixed to improve its performance.
- Provides comfortable cooking condition than wood.
- Can be used in boiler in a small scale and room heating in cold region.
- Provides better use of the biomass raw materials.
- Has large demand throughout the world. That’s why; it is regarded as a profitable
business source.

So it can be said that, except some limitations, biomass briquette has all the qualities to be a
major alternative energy source at present.

20
BIOMASS DENSIFICATION TECHNOLOGY IN BANGLADESH Chapter 4

4.1 History of Biomass Briquette in Bangladesh

Biomass briquette production technology is used in many districts of Bangladesh especially

where the raw materials are available. The history of this technology in Bangladesh is not so
old. It is said that, biomass densification technology was introduced in Bangladesh around 1990
by a private entrepreneur. An entrepreneur in Sylhet district imported a briquette machine
from Taiwan and set up a factory. Later the technology was adopted into few other places and
now it has spread most of the districts of Bangladesh. Generally, the heated die screw press
densification technology is used and rice husk is used as raw material for densification in
Bangladesh.

The detail back ground of introducing the biomass densification technology has been come to
know after a discussion between Dr. Ahiduzzaman and Md. Mostafizur Rahman who previously
worked in Alec Engineering Workshop in Sylhet for more than ten year. According to Mr.
Rahman, disposal of rice husk was a problem before 1990 in Sylhet region. It is noted that un-
parboiled rice is processed in Sylhet region, no husk is needed for parboiling. Therefore, husk
production is high in this region. The rice mill owner used to throw the husk into river crossing
the Sylhet district town. Day by day the cumulated husk created a big problem such as boat
could not play on the river and the fishermen who lived on catching fishes could not catch fish
from the river. It was a great problem of their livelihood. Then the fishermen filed a case to the
authority against the rice mill owner. Then the local authority had taken care about this
inconvenience and rice mill owners also tried to find out the solution of better use of rice husk
instead of throwing into river. Once one rice mill owner namely Mr. Hyatullah of Sylhet
imported a machine from Taiwan and installed in his rice mill premises and this was the first
densification machine introduced in Bangladesh added by Mr. Rahman.

This is the most well-known history about the introduction of biomass densification technology
in Bangladesh. There may be differences about the history. But it is found authentic that, this
technology has started from Sylhet. Continuously by individual efforts, it has extended to many
other districts and come to at present form. Some research has been done on this technology
since the beginning. Significant works have been done by Dr. Nowsher Ali Moral, Dr.
Ahiduzzaman and many others to improve the production quality and determine socio-
economic aspect of biomass briquette in Bangladesh. All these efforts have made it possible to
reach this technology at present condition within a short time without proper assistance of the
government [3].

21
4.2 Raw Materials Used in Bangladesh

Biomass briquette production technology is a relatively recent development in Bangladesh. In

Bangladesh, briquetting technology has found remarkable acceptance over the last few years.
The heated die screw press machine is normally used for the production of biomass briquette.
In case of production, different kinds of materials are used as raw materials. The most
common raw materials used in Bangladesh are rice husk, saw dust etc. Like others, some
modifications are made in the use of raw materials. For example, the fiber got from sugarcane
or coconut is sometimes mixed with raw materials. Among the mentioned raw materials, rice
husk is the most used raw material in Bangladesh. Around 26% of biomass energy in
Bangladesh comes from rice husk. The most of the units use rice husk as their raw material.
This is due to the huge production of paddy in our country annually. Bangladesh is one of most
rice production countries in Asia. The following Fig. shows the percentage of rice production
annually in Bangladesh.

Figure 4.1: Percentage of rice production in Bangladesh [3]

Production of rice husk energy is steady over decades and day by day it is increasing. In 1991,
the production of rice husk energy was 76.35 PJ and it increased to 106.1 PJ in 2004. According
to a report published by APCTT-UNESCAP in 2005, about 40 -45,000,000 metric tons (MT) of
Paddy is annually produced in the country. Taking a 20% yield of husk, based on input paddy,
this leads to a production of 8 -9,000,000 metric tons of Rice Husk annually. The growth of rice
the husk production is calculated 2.57% which is higher than the overall growth of traditional
fuel (1.40%). This high production rate of rice husk energy than others inspires the producers
to take it as a raw material for briquette production without any hesitation. That’s why, almost
in briquette available districts, rice husk briquette is seen [10].

22
The following figure shows the annual rice husk production in various districts of the
Bangladesh.

Figure 4.2: Annual rice husk production in Bangladesh

4.3 Biomass Briquette at Present in Bangladesh

Biomass briquette production technology is still a semi-matured technology in Bangladesh.

Since the establishment, without proper assistance from government and donor agencies, this
production technology has come to this form. Introducing from Sylhet, it has reached many
other districts at present.

The briquette technology is seen at those areas where the raw materials (rice husk) are
available. The production system has mainly established near the source of raw materials. This
is cost effective and profitable for business. That’s why; no production system is seen in Dhaka
city. Even the briquette seller is frequently seen in Dhaka city. Most of the production system
is seen outside the Dhaka. The cost also varies depending on the distance.

The briquetting machines used are of heated-die screw press type similar to Thailand, Malaysia
and South Korea. Bangladesh Institute of Technology (BIT), Khulna [Now, Khulna University of
Engineering Technology (KUET)] conducted a survey on densification activities in Bangladesh in
the year 1999, and reported about 906 number of machine are running throughout the
country and all machines are the heated die screw extruder type. The highest number of
machines was found in Sylhet district (248 no. of machine) where the first machine was
launched. According to another survey conducted in year 2004, the number of briquette units
was found to be more than 1000. Thus following the growing trend it may be estimated that
present number is around 1200.
23
The following figure shows the districts in Bangladesh where briquette production technology
largely available due to sufficient raw materials.

Figure 4.3: Briquette production distribution in Bangladesh [3]

24
The following figure provides the information about the number of machines in different
districts of Bangladesh.

Figure 4.4: Number of briquette production machines in different districts [11]

Though the number of machines and the production areas are increasing day by day, there are
still a lot of barriers to this production technology at present. The raw materials are not
available in all districts. So this production system cannot be reached all the districts. That’s
why; people of many districts still are not familiar with this fuel. Many of them use wood or
less effective fuel instead of rice husk briquette.

The production machine has still a lot of limitations. It is not as up to date as the outside
countries. This limitations (described in latter chapter) causes some defects to rice husk
briquette. After modification by some Bangladeshi researchers, some of limitations have been
removed. At present, the briquette production machine are in better condition than the
before.

With all these limitations, the present situation of rice husk briquette is satisfactory. Day by
day, it is gaining more popularity. But still the role of government or donor agencies is
unsatisfactory. So to have a better output of this technology in near future, the government or
other agencies have to come forward so that this system can easily move forward removing all
the limitations at present.

25
4.4 Distribution of Biomass Briquette

As mentioned before, biomass briquette production system is concentrated in those areas

where the raw materials are available. But the demand for briquette is being spread
throughout the countries. Even in Dhaka city, for various occasions such as wedding, demand
for briquette is frequently increased (found in survey) though there is no production plant. As
the size and shape of the biomass briquette is suitable for transportation, so the distribution
system of briquette from production plant to various channels is essential part of this system.

The number of channels and the cost of biomass briquette depend on the distance between
the producer and the consumer. For short distance e.g. consumer around the production
plant, the transportation cost is low. So the cost of briquette and the number of intermediate
channels are low. Accordingly, these increase (detail in chapter 9). A survey made by Dr.
Ahiduzzaman found the following types of fuel flow channels:

Channel 1: Producer Consumer

Channel 2: Producer Retailer Consumer
Channel 3: Producer Wholesaler Consumer
Channel 4: Producer Wholesaler Retailer Consumer

This indicates that, the consumption may occur directly between producer and consumer or
from producer through wholesaler, retailer to consumer. The cost increases from first type to
last as transport cost is added.

This total distribution system provides a nice market between the various channels. The
distribution system depends on the consumer demand. The better distribution system allows a
good interaction between the producer, wholesaler, retailer and consumer [3].

The figure 4.5 shows the overall distribution system biomass briquette.

26
Sources of loose Rice husk: A milling by
biomass product from rice mill

Self-entrepreneur
Rice mill owned Producer
Production
Self-
Densified biofuel
entrepreneur
(Briquette)producer

Self-
entrepreneur

Transportation Trading

Market

Wholesaler Retailer

Consumption Consumer

Restaurant Tea stalls Street food House

s stalls holds

Figure 4.5: Biomass briquette distribution system [3]

27
BRIQUETTE PRODUCTION Chapter 5
5.1 Briquette Production System

Biomass briquetting process transforms biomass into solid, high density, regular shape that
can be easily stored and transported. This is accomplished by the process of extrusion through
a heated barrel for compactness and proper properties. The black coating outside the
briquette is caused due to heating. Main components of the process are 1) A pre-heater that
pre heats the raw for reduced energy consumption and enhancing screw life. 2) An electric
motor that drives the pulley for rotating the system. 3) The hopper for feeding raw material. 4)
Die heater. 5) Smoke removal system [12].

Figure 5.1: Schematic diagram of a biomass briquette production system [9]

5.1.1 Biomass pre-heater

Pre-heating biomass before extrusion reduces briquetting energy consumption and also
extends the life of the briquetting screw. The biomass pre-heater essentially consists of two
concentric pipes. Biomass ispassed through the inner pipe under the action of a screw rotated
by a variable speed motor. The raw material is pre-heated while being conveyed through the
inner pipe. The hot flue gas from the die-heating stove of the briquetting machine enters the
pre-heater at one end, passes through the space between the inner and outer pipes, transfers
heat to the biomass(rice husk), which is conveyed through the inner pipe, and exits to the
atmosphere at the other end. The pre-heater is mounted on a frame, which is 1.2 m long and
42 cm wide. The outer pipe is insulated by a 2.5 cm thick layer of rock-wool to reduce heat
losses to the surroundings. The heated raw material from the pre-heater exit is fed directly to
the briquetting machine. The speed of the pre-heater screw can be selected based on the
28
required biomass flow rate into the briquetting machine. Technical Specifications of the
Briquetting Machine has been provided below:

Table 5.1: Technical Specifications of the Briquetting Machine [12]

Component General Specifications

Induction Motor (for 20 hp/ 1450 rpm; 380V/ 50Hz
Electric system)
Screw Total length: 450 mm, Outer diameter: 55 mm, Screw speed: 320
rpm, Material: Mild Steel round rod.
Die Length: 300 mm, External diameter: 97 mm, Internal diameter: 55
mm, Tapered length: 75 mm, No of grooves: 8, Material: Cast iron,
Weight: 6 Kg.
Die heater Briquette fired metal stove or electric coil
Power transmission Pulley & V- belt
Main shaft Bright steel round rod
Bearings Type N 6312 & N 6311
Machine bed Length: 1600 mm, Width: 500 mm, Height: 1165 mm (Excluding
motor), Material: Mild steel ‘C’ channel.
Raw material Rice husk
Electricity 0.13 Kwh/ Kg
consumption
Production rate 80 Kg/h

5.1.2 Biomass-fired Die-heating Stove

Electric coil heaters are generally used for heating the die, and account for about aquarter of
the total electricity consumption during the briquetting process. Sinceelectricity is high-grade
energy, alternates were explored to replace the electricheaters. Accordingly, a biomass-fired
stove was designed and developed (Figure1.2).

The stove is made of mild steel (1.5 mm sheet), with a combustion chamber of size20 cm x 35
cm x 40 cm (w x b x h); the flue gas from the stove passes through eitherthe biomass pre-
heater or a 2 m long chimney attached to it at the top and is finallyexhausted to the
atmosphere. The die of the briquetting machine passes through thecombustion chamber,
exposing its outer surface to the flames inside the chamber. The combustion chamber is
insulated with a 30 mm refractory lining at its innersurface. Doors are provided for loading fuel
and removing ash. An ash scraper isfixed below the grate of the stove to remove ash from the
combustion chamberthrough the openings in-between the rods of the grate.

Two steel baffles are fixed just above the die, to converge the flames towards the diesurface.
They are insulated at both sides using refractory cement. The baffles serveto improve heat
transfer from the flames to the die considerably.

Fuel (briquette pieces) is loaded through the side doors upto the bottom level of thedie and
ignited using some wood chips and kerosene. When the die temperaturereaches 350°C, the
briquetting machine is started. During production, thetemperature drops to 320-330°C; this
temperature level can be maintained by addingfuel periodically (nearly every 5 minutes) to the
stove. Primary air for combustion istaken through the ash pit door, which is kept partially open
29
during operation.Secondary air is taken through the fuel doors, which are also kept open
partially.

Figure 5.2: Front view of die-heating stove for briquetting machine [12]

Good quality briquette is obtained at a die temperature of around 320°C. Briquettescan be

produced with die temperature as low as 250°C; the colour of briquette surfacechanges from
black at higher temperatures to grey at lower temperatures. It takesaround 35 minutes to
bring the die temperature to 350°C, after which briquettingcould be started. The die
temperature may sometime go out of control, irrespectiveof primary air supply control. This is
normally due to blockage of fuel flow insidethe stove; the ash scraper should be operated at
regular intervals (once in 15-20 minutes) to avoid this problem [12].

5.1.3 Smoke Removal System

Smoke generated during briquetting may pose a health risk to the machineoperators. It is
therefore desirable to incorporate a system that eliminates or reducessmoke generation
during the briquetting process; a smoke removal system wasdesigned and developed for this
purpose.
The system has three main components: (i) a smoke collection box, (ii) a suction lineconnecting
the primary air supply port of the biomass stove to the smoke collectionbox at the top, and (iii)
another suction line which connects the exhaust of the die-heatingstove to the biomass pre-
heater. The schematic diagram of the system is given in Figure below.

Smoke produced from briquettes is collected in the box and combusted in the stove.The
exhaust from the stove is used for pre-heating the biomass raw material; for thispurpose,
unburned gases, along with the exhaust flue gas of the stove, are suckedthrough the biomass
pre-heater using a suction blower, and exhausted through achimney.

30
The smoke collection box is constructed of a mild steel sheet of 1.5 mm thickness. Acircular
conduit is fixed at one end of the box, through which briquette from the dieof the briquetting
machine enters the box. A deflector plate, which is rigidly fixed tothe metal box, serves to snap
the briquette at the edge of the circular duct. Handlesare provided on the metal box for easy
handling.

Figure 5.3: Schematic diagram of smoke removal system [12]

A slider plate is provided below the path of the briquette so that the broken piecesof briquette
slide over the plate and exit the box at the bottom. A conical cover(hood) is fixed to the box
using a water-seal, which prevents smoke from escapingthe joint.

It was found that the briquette entering the smoke collection box tended to bendsideways
occasionally, thus affecting normal operation. Two guide plates, onelocated below, and the
other above the level at which briquette enters the smokecollection box, and fixed along the
path of the briquette, eliminate this problem. Thetop plate was perforated so as not to
obstruct the flow of smoke upwards.The exhaust from the smoke collection box is connected
to flexible aluminium
duct, the other end of which is connected to the die-heater stove below its grate. Thesmoke
thus enters the stove along with its primary air supply, and is burnt up in thestove.

A 150 W suction blower, fixed at the pre-heater exit, provides the required suction
toovercome the resistance to the flow of flue gas through the pre-heater. The capacityof the
blower is selected such that the airflow provided the required pre-heattemperature (110-
120°C), while maintaining the die temperature at 300-320°C [12].

5.2 Operation

During operation, the die temperature should be maintained at 300-320°C byadjusting the fuel
feeding to the stove. The pre-heat temperature normally fluctuates(in the range of 90-130°C),

31
as there is no provision in the set-up to control itindependently. It is felt that the benefit from
such a system to independently controlpre-heat temperature will not be economically
justifiable.

It is found, from experimental results, that a pre-heat temperature of 110-120°C for ascrew
speed of 370 rpm is the optimum for minimising briquetting energyconsumption. The moisture
content of ricehusk should not exceed 7-8% for smoothoperation of the machine.

Figure 5.4: The improved briquetting system in operation [12]

It is found, from experimental results, that a pre-heat temperature of 110-120°C for ascrew
speed of 370 rpm is the optimum for minimising briquetting energyconsumption. The moisture
content of ricehusk should not exceed 7-8% for smoothoperation of the machine.

Several experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of raw material type
ontheperformance of the integrated biomass briquetting system, consisting of thebiomass pre-
heater, die-heating stove and smoke removal system. Results indicatethat considerably less
energy is consumed when other raw materials are mixed withricehusk (ricehusk and sawdust,
at 1:1 ratio by volume) in comparison with purericehusk as raw material. Significant reduction
in electrical energy consumption isrealised with the introduction of a die-heating stove to
replace the electrical coilheaters. Also, the smoke removal system improves the working
environment at thebriquetting plant, by significantly reducing the smoke level in the vicinity of
the briquetting machine [12].

5.3 Development of Briquette packages

Energy cost is a major factor behind the sustainability of briquetting technology. The existing
system was tested by using a diesel engine to run the machine and a briquette burning stove
was used to heat the die; this was found to reduce the energy cost to about 50%. By using
improved system, the cost of production of briquette could be reduced to Tk. 1.75/kg. Two
types of stoves were developed to burn the briquettes efficiently. Based on the adaptive
research, the following packages were developed for use in Bangladesh [13].
32
5.3.1 Package 1: Diesel System

(1) Briquetting machine screw run by a diesel engine. (Bangladeshi machine & screw)
(2) Die of the briquetting machine heated by a briquette-fired stove
(3) Biomass pre-heater
(4) Smoke removal system (Chimney type)
(5) Single hole briquette-fired stove for domestic use (RETs-BIT M1)
(6) Double hole briquette-fired stove for commercial or institutional use (RETs-BIT
M2)

Figure 5.5: Schematic of the briquetting system run by diesel engine/electric motor (Packages
1 and 2), with biomass stove die-heater [13]

5.3.2 Package 2: Electric system

(1) Briquetting machine screw run by electric power. (Bangladeshi machine & screw)
(2) Die of briquetting machine heated by briquette-fired stove/ Electric heater
(3) Biomass pre-heater
(4) Smoke removal system (Chimney type)
(5) Single hole briquetting stove for domestic use for single family (RETs-BIT M1)
(6) Double hole briquetting stove for commercial/institutional use (RETs-BIT M2).

5.3.3 Package 3: Vietnamese design briquetting system

(1) Briquetting machine run by electric motor (without gearbox)

(2) Vietnamese design screw and die
(3) Smoke removal system (Chimney type)
(4) Single hole briquette stove for domestic use for single family (RETs-BIT M-1)

33
(5) Double hole briquette stove for commercial use or for large families, tea stalls and hotels
(RETs, BIT M-2).

5.4 Economical Analysis of Briquette System

Economic analysis of the improved briquetting system both for electric motor and dieselengine
drives was carried out. The analysis is based on 10 hours of operation per day and 25days per
month and a number of assumptions: machine life of 10 years, screw life of 222hours and
interest rate of 10%. Table below shows the results of the economic analysis. The table is
based on fuel and electric prices in 2004 and thus is the selling price and profit. But even at
present time the ratios remain almost same due to rise in selling price with rise in energy price.

Table 5.2: Outcome of Economic Analysis of Briquetting system (2004) [13]

Electric System Diesel System

Total production cost of 90 kg of briquette 186.70 157.50
Sales price of 90 kg briquette (Taka) 225 225
Net profit (one hour) 38.30 67.50
Net profit per day 383.00 675.00
Net profit per year 114900.00 202500.00
Payback period 0.64 years 0.35 Years
Benefit cost ratio 1.2 1.43

5.5 Repair and Maintenance

The main repair and maintenance of this technology is welding and grinding of the screw.
After repairing, a screw can run from 6 to 14 hours, which means, repairing of screw is needed
every day. Sometimes the owner or operators do the repairing. Sometimes, there is a
mechanic who does the needful repairing and maintenance for several machines in certain
cluster. Beside the screw repairing, there are some other repair and maintenance like repairing
of heater, replacement of main bearing etc. Regular cleaning of the system is also required [3].

Figure 5.6: Showing welding and grinding of screw [3]

34
35
TEST SAMPLES Chapter 6
6.1 Specimen

6.1.1 Specimen 1: Briquette

Source Location: Sylhet

Structure: Hard and dry
Shape: Circular (Rough surface)
Dimension: Outer Diameter- 63.5mm, internal bore- 25mm

Figure 6.1: Briquette sample from Sylhet

6.1.2 Specimen 2: Briquette

Source Location: Khulna

Structure: Comparatively less hard and dry
Shape: Circular (Smooth surface)
Dimension: Outer Diameter- 57mm, internal bore- 20mm

Figure 6.2: Briquette sample from Khulna

6.1.3 Specimen 3: Briquette

Source Location: Sirajgong

Structure: Hard and dry
Shape: Circular (Rough surface)
Dimension: Outer Diameter- 63.5mm, internal bore- 25mm

35
 Figure 6.3: Briquette sample from Sirajgong

6.1.4 Specimen 04: Rice Husk (Tush)

Source Location: Gazipur

Figure 6.4: Enlarged view of rice husk

6.2 Sample Preparation

Samples were dried and used in power form of grain size 260 microns or grade size 60. Using
mortar and pestle the samples were first smashed and then screened through a grade 60 net
for standard test procedure. Before every experiment samples were kept in desiccators to
prevent additional moisture absorption. All weights have been taken using electronic
weighting device for high accuracy. The record of room temperature and humidity was also
kept for checking anomalies due to change in weather condition.

Figure 6.5: Mortar and Pestle Figure 6.6: Sintering Net of Grade size 60 Figure 6.7: Electronic
weight machine

36
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BRIQUETTE Chapter 7
7.1 General Description and Dimension

7.1.1 Shape

Cylindrical shape with an internal bore

7.1.2 Construction

Hard and brittle

7.1.3 Surface finish

Smooth or rough, depending on the machine used

7.1.4 Colour

Black outer coating produced by burn during extrusion process and light golden layers of
mashed rice husk inside.

7.1.5 Dimension

General dimension of briquettes vary slightly depending on the size of extrusion barrel and
centre rod. Generally external diameter varies from 58 - 60 mm; the internal diameter in
general is 20 - 22 mm and the average length is 1 meter.

Figure 7.1: Stacks of biomass briquette

7.2 Density

7.2.1 Definition

The mass density or density of a material is defined as its mass per unit volume. The symbol
most often used for density is ρ (the Greek letter rho). It may also be defined as weight per
unit volume and mostly referred as specific weight.

7.2.2 Experiment Procedure

Density of any substance may be measured in a number of ways. We followed the mass-
volume procedure, where first the mass of the samples were taken then their volume was
taken. After that density was calculated by dividing the mass with volume.

37
7.2.3 Results

Table 7.1: Density of different samples tested at lab

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average Rice husk Rice husk

(Raw) (Grinded)
1084.4 1109.34 1140.14 1111.3 147.64 279.07
Kg/m3 Kg/m3 Kg/m3 Kg/m3 Kg/m3 Kg/m3

Figure 7.2: Densities of different samples and rice husk

7.3 Compressive Strength

7.3.1 Definition

Compressive strength is the capacity of a material or structure to withstand axially directed

pushing forces. When the limit of compressive strength is reached, materials are crushed. It is
measured in terms of Mega Pascal (MPa) or Newton/meter2 (N/m2).

7.3.2 Experiment Procedure

Experiment was conducted using compression testing machine. The sample was placed
horizontally and compressive force was applied. The pressure at the yield point was recorded
as the compressive strength of the specimen.

7.3.3 Results

Average compressive strength of the specimens was found to be 10.7 MPa or N/mm2.

38
7.4 Thermal Properties

7.4.1 Experiment Procedure

For understanding thermal properties of briquette a heated rod was inserted into the bore of
briquette and then temperature reading was taken continuously after certain time intervals
from the source, temperature at surface of briquette.

7.4.2 Observation

The observation found from the experiment has been listed below.

Table 7.2: Data chart for rise in

temperature with time.

Time Source Briquette

(mins) Temperature surface
(oC) temp (oC)
0.00 88 35
5.00 92 37

10.00 98 39
15.00 102 40
20.00 105 41

25.00 105 42
30.00 108 43
Figure 7.3: Time vs. Temperature curve

7.5 Water Absorption Properties

7.5.1 Experiment Procedure

For water absorbance test, the samples were submerged under water at room temperature
for certain duration of time and weight of the samples was taken at certain time intervals.

7.5.2 Observation

Observation shows that after certain interval samples start showing decrease in weight due to
loss of mass and after 10 minutes the samples starts losing their compactness and starts
breaking apart. Once in water for 20 minutes the briquette gets totally loosened and almost
loses its structure. It can still be burnt again after drying as rice husk dust.

39
 Table 7.3: Weight of different samples under water at various time periods

Time (minutes) Sample 1 (Weight in Sample 2 (Weight Sample 3 (Weight in

grams) in grams) grams)
00.00 216.94 136.8 231.3
01.00 239.70 151.70 287.2
02.00 250.55 170.69 310.85
03.00 255.30 182.75 318.17
04.00 264.11 192.2 327
05.00 269.1 200.18 330.96
10.00 277.36 206.5 335.6
15.00 288.86 211 345
20.00 292.12 204 345.95
25.00 294.00 209 352
30.00 298.77 212.9 345.89

Figure 7.4: Weight vs. Time curve for water absorbance test

40
FUEL PROPERTIES OF BRIQUETTE Chapter 8
Briquette is a moderate quality fuel for cooking and other purpose. It can be ignited easily and
burns with a long and steady flame, low smoke and almost no odor. It also has a high burning
efficiency. As before for testing fuel properties two samples were taken from Sylhet (sample 1)
and Khulna (sample 2). For comparison rice husk was from Gazipur was also tested.

8.1 Calorific Value or Heating Value

8.1.1 Definition

The heating value or calorific value or energy value of a substance, usually a fuel or food (see
food energy), is the amount of heat released during the combustion of a specified amount of
it. The energy value is a characteristic for each substance. It is measured in units of energy per
unit of the substance, usually mass, such as: kJ/kg, kJ/mol, kcal/kg, Btu/lb. Heating value is
commonly determined by use of a bomb calorimeter.

8.1.2 Equipment

Equipment Name- Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter

Obtained Result- Calorific value

8.1.3 Procedure

First powdered and weighted sample is taken into vile and fitted with ignition wire. Then it is
placed in the bomb at 300psi O2 pressure. The bomb is placed into insulating medium and is
surrounded by certain amount of distill water. After 4 minutes of starting the machine ignition
is occurred and then subsequent reading of temperature is taken up to 23 minutes. From
length of burned wire and rise in water temperature calorific value is found.

8.1.4 Results

Repeated tests were performed on samples and finally average values for tests were taken as
standard.

41
Table 8.1: Data chart for Calorific Value of
different samples

Sample 1 4300 cal/gm or 18

(Sylhet) KJ/gm
Sample 2 4580 cal/gm or
(Khulna) 19.17 KJ/gm
Average value 4250 – 4600 cal/gm
Rice husk 4270 cal/gm or
(Gazipur) 17.87 KJ/gm Figure 8.1: Calorific values of different samples

Heating value or calorific value per unit volume = 4.61 x 106 – 5.08 x 106 Kcal/m3.

8.2 Proximate Analysis

8.2.1 Definition

A proximate analysis, as defined by ASTM, is the determination by prescribed methods of

moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon (by difference) and ash.

8.2.2 Equipment

Equipment Name- Carbolite Box Furnace

Temperature range- 0 to 1300oC
Obtained Results- Moisture content, ash content, volatile
material content, and fixed carbon content.

8.2.3 Procedure

The sample is first mashed into small pallets or powder for proper results. The vile used in the
carbolite machine is weighted and then again weighted with sample and amount of sample
used is determined. The sample is first heated to 107oC for 1 hour and then it is weighted to
determine the lost weight which is moisture content. Next it is heated to 750 oC for 7 minutes
and lost weight is ash content. Finally it is heated to 950oC for 7 minutes. Lost weight is volatile
material and left weight is fixed carbon.

8.2.4 Results

Repeated tests were performed on samples and finally average values for tests were taken as
standard.

42
 Table 8.2: Data chart for Proximate
Analysis

Content Sample Sample Average

1 2 value
(Sylhet) (Khulna)
Moisture 6.8 7.83 7
% 6.9
5.81
7.6
Ash & 68.15 73.83 72
Volatile 71.76
Material 73.10
% 69.8
Fixed 25.05 18.34 21
Figure 8.2: Briquette constituent by percentage
Carbon % 21.34 (average value)
21.01
23.15

8.3 Carbon Residue

8.3.1 Definition

The carbon residue of a fuel is the tendency to form carbon deposits under high temperature
conditions in an inert atmosphere, and may be expressed commonly as Micro Carbon Residue
(MCR). The carbon residue provides information on the carbonaceous deposits which will
result from combustion of the fuel. For fuels with a high carbon- high carbon/hydrogen ratio, it
is proved more difficult to burn them fully, which results in increased deposits in the
combustion and exhaust spaces. Fuels with a high carbon residue value may cause problems in
older engines when they are operating under part load conditions. The carbon residue value of
a fuel depends on the refinery processes employed in its manufacture.

8.3.2 Equipment

Equipment Name- Micro Carbon Residue Tester

Peak Temperature- 510oC
Obtained Result- Carbon Residue

8.3.3 Procedure

Weighted sample is taken into vile and placed in machine to be heated up to 510oC for total
duration of 102 minutes in inert environment. Left over material is carbon residue.

43
8.3.4 Results

Repeated tests were performed on samples and finally average values for tests were taken as
standard.

Table 8.3: Data chart for Carbon Residue

test

Sample 1 42.39 % 44.04 %

(Sylhet)
Sample 2 41.42 %
(Khulna)
Average value 42.6 %
Rice husk 40 %
(Gazipur) Figure 8.3: Percentage of Carbon Residue in
various samples

8.4 Residue after Direct Heating

8.4.1 Definition

It is the ash residue left after direct heating the briquette powder.

8.4.2 Equipment

Equipment Name- Bunsen Burner

Obtained Result- Unburned residue

8.4.3 Procedure

The samples were weighted and taken in ceramic pots and then heated directly in Bunsen
burner until all that is left is white ash. Then samples were weighted again to measure the
portion burned and left residue.

8.4.4 Results

Repeated tests were performed on samples and finally average values for tests were taken as
standard.

Table 8.4: Data chart for unburned carbon for different samples

Sample 1 (Sylhet) Unburned portion % 22.73 23.5

Sample 2 (Khulna) Unburned portion % 18.90 18.25
Average value Unburned portion % 20.85

44
BRIQUETTE BURNING DEVICES Chapter 9
Briquettes cannot burn efficiently in conventional wood-burning stoves as the combustion
properties of briquettes are different from wood. Briquette-burning stoves therefore require
design and development efforts. But unfortunately very little work has been done in
Bangladesh regarding Briquette Burning Stoves. Still, extended amount of work has been
conducted throughout Asia for developing efficient burning devices. Several briquette stoves
were developed at Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (RONAST) in Nepal,
adapting the designs of similar stoves developed elsewhere. Some of the promising ones
include the Institutional Gasifier Stove, Double Tiered Insulated Stove, and Economical Single
Tier Stove. Table below presents the results of water-boiling efficiency tests conducted on four
of the stoves developed at RONAST. Among the four stoves tested, efficiency of the Double
Tiered Stove was found to be the highest, at 34.5% [9].

Figure 9.1: IGS fabricated by RONAST Figure 9.2: IGS with two pot support

Figure 9.3: Double Tiered Stove, Figure9.4: Economic Single Tiered,

stove designed and fabricated by RONAST designed and fabricated by RONAST

45
 Table 9.1: Efficiency of different briquette burning stoves, with rice husk briquette [9]

Device Used Remarks Efficiency (%)

ECO-Stove I Good 18.30
ECO-Stove II Good 19.11
Double Tiered Stove Very Good 34.50
CEE Stove Good 24.80

Another improved biomass-fired gasifier stove for institutional kitchens and traditional
industries has been developed at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). A gasifier stove is
essentially a small gasifier-gas burner system. The main advantage of a gasifier stove is the
almost total elimination of smoke with this design. Considering that it is normally not possible
to operate a blower in rural areas of most developing countries due to lack of electricity
supply, a natural draft gasifier stove becomes a particularly interesting alternative. . This stove
is suitable for community type cooking applications such as in schools, hospitals and hostels. It
has two pots, of about 15 liters capacity each. Apart from rice husk briquettes, the gasifier
stove can also use other fuels such as wood chips, wood twigs and coconut shells. The
efficiency of this stove, estimated from water boiling tests, ranged between 24-28% depending
on the fuel used. The heating power of the stove is 4.7 kW.

Figure 9.5: Institutional type biomass gasifier stove, developed at AIT [12]

The stove is basically a small natural draft cross-flow gasifier coupled to a gas burner. The
primary air enters the hot fuel bed on one side, and the gas leaves it from the opposite side.
The gasifier-gas burner component of the stove consists of four main parts i.e. fuel chamber,
reaction chamber, primary air inlet and combustion chamber; these parts are attached
together by using bolts and nuts. Above the gas burner and connected with it, is a pot support
on which the cooking pots are placed. Figure below illustrates the design details of the gasifier-
gas burner component [12].

46
Figure 9.6: Schematic diagram of different components of biomass gasifier stove [12]

47
AIT has also collected about 40 stoves throughout Asia and tested their emission and
efficiency.

Figure 9.7: Stoves tested by AIT [14]

Figure 9.8: Cook stoves from Thailand collected and tested by AIT [14]

48
FIELD SURVEY Chapter 10
The survey was conducted in four different locations of the country namely Kawran bazaar,
Shavar, Joypurhat and Bagerhat. Several users of biomass fuel were interviewed in the
selected locations and their opinions have been listed understanding the reasons behind the
rapid development of biomass briquette and its possible further development.

Survey in Kawran Bazaar revealed that in city briquette consumption is significantly low due to
high availability of alternative high quality fuel like gas. Those who don’t have access to gas
looks for alternate like kerosene stove, fuel wood or briquette. The only wholesaler of the
bazaar revealed that only hand full of people buy briquette for large scale cooking. His average
monthly sell of briquette is around 20 to 25 mons (1 mon = 40 Kg) which is significantly low
comparing to fuel wood sell which is about 30 mons. As he is the only vendor of Briquette in
Kawron bazaar, it gives a fair idea that Briquette demand with in the city is very low comparing
to fuel wood which is sold in many other shops in great mounds.

An interview with the owner and cook of a small make shift hotel in the Kawran bazaar,
revealed their experience with briquette. They have been using Briquette for about 2 years
now. Previously they used kerosene stove, but it required frequent repair, which was both
hazardous and costly. So they switched to Briquette. They claimed that considering current
market price, costing remains almost same for Briquette and Kerosene. Briquette on the other
hand doesn’t require any maintenance, lights up easily and heats up things quickly. They were
satisfied using it.

Another interview with a tea seller and retailer of briquette at PolliBiduut Bazaar, Nobinogor,
Shavar; revealed his more than 7 years’ experience with briquette. He buys briquette at 280-
285 Tk per mon and sells at 8 Tk per Kg. Previously he used to use Kerosene stove but it was
expensive. He required about 3 liters of kerosene which required about 150 Tk, whereas he
requires only 5-6 kg of briquette which costs about 50 Tk. Briquette produces a very fine and
long lasting flame as per his claim. It also shows no deviation in properties if stored for long
time. But it is critical to water and once it is wet it deforms and becomes useless. It is also hard
to light up in the morning.

In Railroad, sadarupozila, Bagerhat a commercial user of Briquette was interviewed. He uses

both briquette and kerosene for fuel. Unavailability of briquette switches him to kerosene. His
experience with briquette is 10 years. He buys them at 300Tk per mon from Khulna. His prefers
briquette for its low cost and consumes about 30 to 40 kg a week. He complains about the
unavailability and storage problem during rains. He also mentioned problems about lighting it
in damp condition.

Several persons in Joupurhat were interviewed, both residential and commercial. Briquette is
relatively new to Joypurhat and available from 2.5 years. Briquette comes from nearby district
of Naogoan and is sold at 240-250 Tk by 7-8 dealers in in local bazaar. So it is easily available
throughout the year. Most preferred by commercial users due to low cost, easy storage and
hassle free use. Although some complains have been received by residential users like- large
49
space needed for storage, criticality in initial burning, requirement of special stove, need of
cutting it into pieces before use and high water absorption quality. Still briquette is highly
preferred to avoid the smell created by kerosene. It also proves to be a little expensive than
fire wood, still it gained high popularity in the region. Thus user satisfaction lays both in
commercial and residential level.

Table 10.1: Briquette availability in regions concerned

Region Kawran Bazaar, Nobinogor, Shavar Sadarupozila, SadarUpozila,

Dhaka Bagerhut Joupurhut
Availability Low High Low High

Figure 10.1: Briquette price at different regions of the country

Table 10.2: Highlights of user review on use of Briquette

User no & Location User type Period List of Advantages

of use Easy Easy Low No Good fuel
(years) to storage cost smoke & properties
use odor
User 1, Kawran Commercial 2 Y N N N Y
Bazaar
User 2, Shavar Commercial 7 Y Y Y N Y
User 3, Bagerhut Commercial 10 Y Y Y N N
User 4, Joypurhut Commercial 2.5 Y N Y N N
User 5, Joypurhut Residential 2.5 Y N N Y Y
User 6, Joypurhut Residential 2 Y N N Y Y

*Here y represents yes and N represents no.

50
 Figure 10.2: Advantages supported by users in %

10.1 Reasons behind High Acceptance

Briquette gained high popularity in Bangladesh with in a very short period. Study suggests the
common reasons behind its high popularity are-

- Easy and high availability.

- Economical to use.

- Good fuel properties.

- Low moisture content and high burning efficiency.

- Easy storage.

- High compactness and easy to transport.

- High availability of rice husk and good profit in briquette business.

- Burns with a steady flame for a long period.

- Produces almost no smoke and odor.

- High user friendliness and less hazardous.

- Good physical properties.

- Environmental friendliness.

51
10.2 List of Limitations

User level survey provided us with a number of limitations in the system. They have been
listed below.

- It is critical to water and loses its compactness once wet and becomes unusable.

- Storage requires large space and must be kept in dry condition.

- Initial burning is critical and is very hard to burn in damp condition like in winter morning.

- Ash disposal is also a hurdle.

- Requires to be pieced before use, which is a tough task as briquette is quite hard.

- Special stove is required.

- Can prove expensive depending on volume of use.

52
LIMITATIONS Chapter 11

11.1 Problems Encountered with Briquette Technology

11.1.1 Supply and Quality of Grid Electricity

There is scarcity of grid electricity and the electricity is not available always. Therefore,
machine cannot be run properly. Some of the producer reported that the voltage of the grid
electricity fluctuates frequently. Machine could not run properly without appropriate voltage.
Because the heater cannot produce sufficient heat which leads to stop the machine due to
very high friction between die barrel wall and rice husk.

11.1.2 Short Life of Screw

The main player of the densification system is the screw. The main role of this screw is to
convey and compress the raw material into the die barrel. The problem is the rapid worn out
of tip of the screw. The rice husk contains about 15-20 percent silica (RWEDP 1996b, p.28)
which is abrasive in nature and it wears out the screw easily. The nominal life of the screw
varied from 6 to 15 hours, depending on the quality of repairing and as well as quality of raw
material. The higher dust contained in the raw material causes the rapid worn out of the
screw. Some producer claimed that parboiled rice husk is more abrasive than un-parboiled rice
husk. Photograph of some screws is shown in Photo below.

Figure 11.1: Worn out screw and die heater coil [3]

11.1.3 Short Life of Die Heater

Normally the ready-made heater is not available in the market. People collect the rejected
heater coil from old ships, and bend and join together 3 or 4 coil in parallel to ensure sufficient
capacity to supply heat. Since this is made from old rejected heater coils, it has no quality and
guarantee, however, the normal life of the heater widely varied from 1 month to 36 months.
Once this type of heater is damaged, people cannot repair it, therefore, now a day people find

53
an alternate way. People make heater manually with 18- gauge micron wire coil coated with
burnt clay ring. If this coil is damaged then people can easily repair it.

Figure 11.2: Locally evolved die heater and barrel

11.1.4 Short Life of Die Barrel

The die barrel is that wherein the densification of loose biomass is occurred. The die barrel
ismade of cast iron. There is 4 or 5 number of edge inner sides of the barrel which guides the
delivery of densified biomass. If the depth of these edges is reduced then it is needed to
repairthe barrel in a lathe shop. If the barrel once is broken there is no way to repair it, people
need to buy a new one. The life of the die barrel varied from 15 day to 4 months.

11.1.5 Main Bearing Problem

Some producers claimed that the main bearing is damaged due to the overheating the
machine because the hot screw is coupled with the bearing shaft. It is to be replaced every 3
months. The producer reported that the new main bearing is costly, they use old rejected
bearing from bus or truck engine. To change the main bearing the whole machine has to be
dismantled and it is time consuming and laborious works.

Figure 11.3: Disassembled machine during main bearing replacement

54
11.1.6 Health Problem of Operator or Mechanic

Normally operator works in a dirty and smoky environment. The operator who works in a
closed room without proper air circulation faced inhaling problem. The mechanics do welding
and grinding of the screw daily and after a period they faced problem with their eyes. Their
eyes seem like full of water and red in colour. The operators do not use proper or no safety
measures during the repairing of the screw.

Figure 11.4: An operator facing eye problem after restoring the screw [3]

11.2 Problems Associated with Rice Husk

11.2.1 Rice husk Availability

Study shows that rice husk is mainly available in areas with high production of rice and is found
adjacent to rice mills. So in districts with low or no rice production, briquette becomes scarce
and costly. The rise in cost is caused by added transport cost and wholesaler and/or retailers
profit. It is one of the main reasons for briquette system being confined to certain locations in
the country. That’s why briquette cost in Dhaka is almost twice as that in Naogaon.

11.2.2 Quality and supply of rice husk

Both parboiled and un-parboiled rice husk is used for densification in the study area. Some
producer reported that parboiled husk is more abrasive and energy consuming because during
the parboiled husk production some admixture (dust) is incorporated. In few cases, it was

55
reported there are high moisture in husk due to rain or less drying of the paddy. Overall the
performance of rice husk as raw material for densification is ready to use.

11.2.3 Storage Problem

Rice husk is a low density matter which takes lots of storage space in briquette factories.
Providing that much free and dry storage space is difficult for some factories as it requires
large sheds or ware houses. This involves high investment which is not possible on every one’s
part. But if not done so husk will absorb moisture and won’t form briquette unless dried.

Figure 11.5: Storage of rice husk in a briquette factory Figure 11.6: Rice husk left on open field

11.3 Briquette Storage Problems

Though briquette requires lower storage space than fire wood but does require higher space
than kerosene stove. Thus many poor slum dwellers still rely on kerosene stoves for domestic
uses. In some cases dry storage of briquette is a problem as well.

Figure 11.7: Briquette wrapped with polythene sheet for water protection in a shop
56
FUTURE POTENTIAL Chapter 12
Biomass briquette production technology is now a growing energy source in Bangladesh. It has
gained high popularity in many districts as mentioned before. There are also some
shortcomings to this densification technology found in field survey. If proper concentration is
given, then it has a brighter prospect in the coming years. From field analysis, some points
have been focused which require attention to gain maximum efficiency of briquette in future.

In almost all districts in Bangladesh, rice is cultivated. The annual rice husk production in
Bangladesh is quite high. But all the districts that produce rice thus rice husk every year, are
not familiar with the biomass briquette technology. Generally, the production rate of briquette
is very low comparing to the total rice husk production. According to the field survey
conducted on 2004, about 3,538,400 million tons of rice husk, 17,760 million tons of sawdust,
1,470,300 million tons of wheat straw, 2,607,000 and 22,900 million tons of rice straw are
produced annually in Bangladesh. It is estimated that more than 18,000 briquetting machines
can run with residues produced in the country; although at that time only about 1,000
machines were operating. Presently the number of machines has taken a rise but it is not
significant. The reasons behind this may be the lack of awareness about the densification
technology, financial condition, no trained people on production machine etc. If proper steps
are taken, then it can be expected that, the technology will reach at every raw material
available districts. Thus the rice husk can be used with maximum efficiency and no or less
biomass wastage will occur. It will be also cost effective [13].

Some countries are very much advanced in this technology. They use a variety of raw materials
for this purpose. In Bangladesh, there are a lot of sources other biomass products. By
combining these with the rice husk in different ratios, more efficient and new types of
briquettes can be produced. It will be more cost efficient. It will add a new dimension to the
renewable energy sources.

In developed countries, biomass briquette is used for room heating. In developing countries
like Bangladesh, it is used mainly to meet the cooking demand. In future, due to the energy
crisis discussed before, instability will occur in residential area for cooking or other purposes.
Biomass briquette can reduce this severe effect of energy crisis in future if it is properly
treated.

The future prospect of biomass briquette largely depends on its proper treatment. The
maximum effectiveness or the increase of popularity among the people is affected by the role
of government or the donor agencies. Without their significant assistance, the new production
system will not be established. Again the running plant may be stopped due to the various
limitations. The promote program of biomass briquette towards the general people will be
greatly hampered. That’s why; the coordination of government and donor agencies is a must
needed. Their financial, technical and many other supports will increase the production plant,
the promotion program and elevate this technology to a better condition by eliminating the
limitations towards this.
57
In Bangladesh, the characteristic which makes the biomass briquette more suitable is its
environment friendly nature. The environment of Bangladesh is now severely being affected
by the unplanned use of energy sources. The use of wood for cooking purpose is very much
common and it accelerates this problem. To meet the wood demand, the forests are being
destroyed. So the deforestation rate is being increased and it increases the pollution.
Therefore, if wood can be completely replaced by biomass briquette, then it will reduce the
deforestation rate and environment pollution and thus offers a comparatively greener
environment. For this, awareness should be created among the users to use the briquette
which is more effective than fire wood. Thus a fire wood free country will be possible in future.

The employment problem in Bangladesh is severe. So any new sector can reduce this problem.
The briquette production technology needs a number of well-trained people for various
purposes such as for operating machines, maintenance, repair work etc. this creates job
opportunity for some people. Many people earn their income by briquette business or
transporting it form one area to other. At present, the number of production plant is not
significant. So if this technology can spread throughout the countries, in future, more
production plant will be produced and more will get opportunity to earn money. This will also
provide more women engagement in this job.

In future, biomass briquette can form a significant market system. At present, the interaction
is occurred between the producer and the consumer directly. Number of intermediate
channels is less and long distance distribution is frequently occurred according to the demand.
With the increase of demand for briquette, the distribution system will not be limited in short
distance consumption. Biomass briquette will transfer to various districts where the
production will not be available. For this, a long market will be established. The number of
intermediate channels will be included such as wholesaler, retailer etc. Thus more people will
be engaged in market system and make significant profit.

In Bangladesh, biomass briquette mainly covers the demand for cooking purposes. Its
efficiency can be increased by various modifications. For example, in traditional burning device
(locally known as Chula) the briquette cannot give its maximum efficiency and provide a little
more efficiency than wood. Specially designed burning device is being used in several countries
for briquette. So by introducing this device in Bangladesh, the efficiency of the briquette will
increase much more than the present thus it will completely replace the fuel wood.

The biomass briquette system will create a lot of research areas in future. This technology has
come to this form after a lot of modification. It will need more works to be done on it to
increase its efficiency, to meet the increasing demand and to compete with future modern
technology. So by spreading this technology throughout the country, it can be expected to
come more people for working on it to provide an effective and popular densification
technology in the country.

These expected future prospects of biomass briquette in Bangladesh depend on the proper
concentration on this system. Only then, it can be expected to compensate the severe crisis of
energy more efficiently and successfully in upcoming future.
58
CONCLUSION Chapter 13

13.1 Outcome of Study

Biomass briquette is a high potential renewable energy source with great popularity in our
country. Through our study we came to know about its physical properties, fuel characteristics
and user response, which concluded us to following observations.

13.1.1 Physical Property Study

- Briquette used in our country is mainly densified form of rice husk produced by the
process of extrusion.
- It is a hard and brittle cylindrical shape substance with an internal bore.
- The bore is provided for better burning efficiency.
- It has very high density as compared to raw rice husk.
- It also possesses high compressive strength, which makes it easily transportable
without damage.
- It has high heat resistance and low thermal conductance.
- It also has high water absorbing tendency and loses burn ability within minutes if
placed under water.

13.1.2 Fuel Property Study

- Processed biomass produces better heating value than raw, in this case biomass
briquettes has a higher heating value than rice husk, which has a value of 4200 kcal/
Kg.
- Rice husk produced briquettes have a very high heating value, almost equal to saw
dust briquettes.
- Briquette has a calorific value of 4.61 x 106 – 5.08 x 106 Kcal/m3, which is lot higher
than regular unprocessed biomass fuels.
- Fuel values of briquette very depending upon origin of raw, raw condition, production
process and storage condition.
- It has low ash and volatile material content as compared to other fuels.
- Its moisture content is very low thus has higher burning efficiency.
- It also has low carbon residue.

13.1.3 Field Level Study

- Briquettes provide better economic potential.

- Briquettes provide a long, stable flame which is excellent for cooking.
- Suitable for large stage cooking.
- It is easily available and very convenient to use.
- Produces very less smoke and odor and requires less storage space comparing to fuel
wood.

59
 - Briquette production is a highly profitable business; this is one of the major reasons
behind its high availability.
- Being a part of briquette distribution system is also profitable, thus it is also available
in districts where it is not produced.
- It is highly economical comparing to existing biofuels used in households and also less
polluting.
- But it is critical to water and can’t be burned in dump condition and also requires
special stove for high burning efficiency.

13.2 Recommendations

Though briquette has received high popularity in user level, it still is confined within limited
locations in the country. Briquette production is a very profitable business but requires a
moderate level of initial investment. It also has production related problems and there is
almost no work available on briquette burning devices. Thus for further development of this
system in Bangladesh, we recommend the followings form our overall observation.

- No sector can flourish without government initiative and assistance. Government

needs to pay greater attention towards the sustainability and development of
alternative fuel sector.
- Government needs to come forward with easy loan facilities for the spreading of
briquette technology throughout the country.
- Campaigns may be organized to encourage people in using renewable energy rather
than relying on fossil fuels.
- If government becomes strict about felling of trees, people will be forced to look for
alternate from fuel woods.
- Presently there is no information on how much rice husk are being produced from
rubber roll machine and how much rice husk could be available for densification.
Therefore, a study should be undertaken on the resource mapping of rice husk energy
flow in Bangladesh.
- Briquette production system still has several objections. Low screw life, low die heater
and barrel life, bearing problem and health hazard to operator and mechanic are
problems that still require solutions. Thus government must come forward with
necessary institutional support for research and development and dissemination of
briquetting technology to organizations already involved with this technology.
- Further study should be conducted to characterize the combustion properties of the
densified biofuel.
- A study on large scale commercial use of briquette and search for other potential uses
may also prove helpful to expand its market.
- At present there is no control over briquette distribution system. Thus price of
briquette vary greatly from briquette producing district to briquette non-producing
district, which discourages people about its use. Thus a regulation in this system has
become essential.

60
 - Briquette being a different kind of fuel requires a different type of stove. But
unfortunately there is yet to be any research in this regard in the country. So
developing an easy and conveniently usable stove is required.
- Research work is also needed to further develop the fuel properties of briquette.
- Finally public awareness is to be developed to limit the use of low efficiency and high
pollution fuels and switch to greener alternatives.

13.3 Conclusion

Biomass briquetting technology has immense potential in an agricultural country like

Bangladesh. The technology allows effective use of the residues which otherwise would have
been used inefficiently or wasted. Experiments and observations show that rice husk biomass
briquette is a very effective biofuel that has appreciable physical and fuel qualities and burns
with good efficiency. Its cheap rate, high availability and admirable fuel characteristics gained
it high acceptance in a short time. Another reason for its quick expansion is the profit gain
from its production thus more and more people are being attracted to the business raising its
availability. It reduces greenhouse emission and also reduces deforestation by serving as an
alternative cooking fuel in rural areas. Still there is scope for development in this sector by
researching for more effective ways to use biofuel and make it more environment and user
friendly.

61
REFERENCES
[1] S.C. Bhattacharya, “Biomass energy and densification: A Global Review with Emphasis on
Developing Countries”, Energy Program, Asian Institute of Technology.

[2] http://earthtrends.wri.org/text/energy-resources/country-profile-14.htm; Date: 07.12.2011

[3] Md. Ahiduzzaman, Production and Use of Densified Biofuel in Mymensingh District
(Bangladesh) under Technical and Socio-economical Aspects, M.Sc thesis, International
Institute of Management, University of Flensburg, Germany, 2006.

[4] Bhowmik, N. C., 2008, “Bangladesh- Renewable Energy Report”, Asian and Pacific Centre
for Transfer of Technology of the United Nations – Economic and Social Commission for Asia
and the Pacific (ESCAP).

[5] http://www.planetthoughts.org/UserFiles/Image/Renewable-Energy.gif ; Date: 05.12.2011

[6] Dr. R. M. Singh, Information and expertise regarding the history of the bio-briquette,
Biomass Laboratory, Faculty of Technology, NAST 2008.

[7] www.wikipedia.org

[8] http://www.321energy.com/editorials/deruijter/ru062508c.gif ; Date: 05.12.2011

[9] G. R. Shakya, I.Shakya and M.A. Leon , “Biomass Briquetting of Agricultural and Forest
Residues and Herb Wastes in Nepal”. RONAST and AIT, 2005.

[10] Moral et. al. 1999, p.373, Sarkeret al.1999, p.12-13.

[11] BCA Database2005, CIMMYT Bangladesh.

*12+ Moral , M. N. A., Shakya, G. R., and Toan, P. K., “Technology Packages: Screw-press
Briquetting Machines and Briquette-fired Stoves”, Regional Energy Resources Information
Center (RERIC), AIT, Thiland, 2005.

[13+ Moral, N. A., 2004, “Biomass Densification: Development of Briquetting Packages in

Bangladesh”.

[14] Salam, P.A., Kumar, S., Marpaung, C., 2010, “Preparing Technology Fact Sheet
(Mitigation)”, First Regional Capacity Building Workshop- Asia, Asian Institute of Technology
(AIT), Thiland.

[15] Internet

62
APPENDICES

A: Details of Experiments

30 March, 2011

Location: MIST Thermodynamics Lab

Specimen: 01 Briquette (Sylhet)

Temperature: 29 OC Humidity: 76%

Sample Grade Size:

Experiment 01: Proximate Analysis

Moisture Content- 6.8%

Ash Content- 64.2%

Experiment 02: Proximate Analysis

Fixed Carbon Content- 78.6%

Experiment 03: Carbon Residue Test

Carbon Residue Content- 42.39%

63
13 April, 2011

Location: MIST Thermodynamics Lab

Specimen: 01 Briquette (Shylet)

Temperature: 30.2 OC Humidity: 70%

Sample Grade Size:

Experiment 01: Proximate Analysis

Moisture Content- 6.9%

Ash Content- 65.08%

Volatile Material Content- 6.68%

Fixed Carbon Content- 21.34%

Experiment 02: Proximate Analysis

Moisture Content- 5.81%

Ash Content- 72.77%

Volatile Material Content- 0.37%

Fixed Carbon Content- 21.04%

64
20 April, 2011

Location: BUET Fuel Testing Lab

Specimen: 01 Briquette (Shylet)

Specimen: 02 Briquette(Khulan)

Temperature: 31OC Humidity: 63%

Sample Grade Size: 60 (250 microns)

Experiment 01: Calorific Value Test

Specimen- 01 Briquette (Shylet)

Calorific Value= 4300 cal/gm = 18 kJ/gm

Experiment 02: Calorific Value Test

Specimen- 02 Briquette (Khulan)

Calorific Value= 4580 cal/gm = 19.17 kJ/gm

Experiment 03: Residue after Direct Heating

Specimen- 01 Briquette (Shylet)

Unburned Portion- 22.73% (Sample 01)

Unburned Portion- 23.5% (Sample 02)

Experiment 04: Residue after Direct Heating

Specimen- 02 Briquette (Khulna)

Unburned Portion- 18.90% (Sample 01)

Unburned Portion- 18.25% (Sample 02)

65
27 April, 2011

Location: BUET Fuel Testing Lab

Specimen: 01 Briquette (Shylet)

Specimen: 02 Briquette(Khulan)

Specimen: 03 Rice Husk (Gazipur)

Temperature: 30.5OC Humidity: 62.5%

Sample Grade Size: 60 (250 microns)

Experiment 01: Proximate Analysis

Specimen- 01 Briquette (Shylet)

Moisture Content- 7.6%

Ash Content- 69.8%

Volatile Material Content-

Fixed Carbon Content- 23.15%

Experiment 02: Proximate Analysis

Specimen- 02 Briquette (Khulna)

Moisture Content- 7.83%

Ash Content- 73.83%

Volatile Material Content- 0.03%

Fixed Carbon Content- 18.3%

Experiment 03: Calorific Value test

Specimen- 03 Rice Husk (Gazipur)

Calorific Value= 4270 cal/gm = 17.87 J/kg

66
04 May, 2011

Location: MIST Thermodynamics Lab

Specimen: 01 Briquette (Shylet)

Specimen: 02 Briquette (Khulan)

Specimen: 03 Rice Husk (Gazipur)

Temperature: 28OC Humidity: 66.5%

Sample Grade Size: 60 (250 microns)

Experiment 01: Carbon Residue Test

Specimen- 01 Briquette (Shylet)

Carbon Residue- 44.04%

Experiment 02: Carbon Residue Test

Specimen- 01 Rice Husk (Gazipur)

Carbon Residue- 40%

Experiment 03: Carbon Residue Test

Specimen- 02 Briquette (Khulna)

Carbon Residue- 41.42%

67
06 July, 2011

Location: MIST Thermodynamics Lab

Specimen: 01 Briquette (Sylhet)

Specimen: 02 Briquette (Khulan)

Specimen: 03 Briquette (Sirajgong)

Temperature: 30OC Humidity: 82.5%

Sample Grade Size: 60 (250 microns)

Experiment 01: Density calculation

Specimen- 01 Briquette (Sylhet)

Density- 1084.4 kg/m3

Experiment 02: Density calculation

Specimen- 02 Briquette (Khulna)

Density- 1109.34 kg/m3

Experiment 03: Density calculation

Specimen- 03 Briquette (Sirajgong)

Density- 1140.14 kg/m3

Average Density- 1111.3 kg/m3

Heating value per unit volume- 4.6 X 106 – 5.08 X 106 kcal/m3

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20 July, 2011

Location: MIST Thermodynamics Lab and Solid Mechanics Lab

Specimen: 01 Raw Rice Husk (Gazipur)

Specimen: 02 Grinded Rice Husk (Gazipur)

Temperature: 31.3OC Humidity: 80.5%

Experiment 01: Density calculation

Specimen- 01 Raw Rice Husk (Gazipur)

Density- 279.07 kg/m3

Experiment 02: Density calculation

Specimen- 01 Grinded Rice Husk (Gazipur)

Density- 147.67 kg/m3

Experiment 01: Density calculation

Specimen- 01 Raw Rice Husk (Gazipur)

Density- 279.07 kg/m3

(Provided that density of Briquette is around 1100 Kg/ m3)

Experiment 03: Compressive Strength Test

Compressive Strength- 10.7 MPa

Experiment 04: Thermal Properties test

Thermal Conductivity test: We couldn’t actually find any suitable setup for conducting the test.
Still to get a gross view we heated the Briquette using a heated copper bar from inside. The
results are listed below:

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 a. At beginning 0.00 minutes
Source Temp= 88oC Briquette inside Temp= 35 oC Briquette outside Temp= 35 oC
b. At beginning 5.00 minutes
Source Temp= 92oC Briquette inside Temp= 37 oC Briquette outside Temp= 37 oC
c. At beginning 10.00 minutes
Source Temp= 98oC Briquette inside Temp= 39 oC Briquette outside Temp= 39 oC
d. At beginning 15.00 minutes
Source Temp= 102oC Briquette inside Temp= 40 oC Briquette outside Temp= 40 oC
e. At beginning 20.00 minutes
Source Temp= 105oC Briquette inside Temp= 41 oC Briquette outside Temp= 41 oC
f. At beginning 25.00 minutes
Source Temp= 105oC Briquette inside Temp= 42 oC Briquette outside Temp= 42 oC
g. At beginning 30.00 minutes
Source Temp= 108oC Briquette inside Temp= 43 oC Briquette outside Temp= 43 oC

Results show that it has poor heat absorbing capacity but very good thermal conductivity.

21 September, 2011

Location: MIST Thermodynamics Lab

Specimen: 01 Briquette (Sylhet)

Specimen: 02 Briquette (Khulan)

Specimen: 03 Briquette (Gazipur)

Temperature: 28OC Humidity: 68.5%

Experiment 01: Water Absorbance Test of Briquette

The test was conducted by submerging the samples under water at room temperature for
certain durations of time and weight being taken at certain time intervals.

Sample 1: Sylhet

Time Weight (in grams) Time Weight (in grams)

00.00 216.94 10.00 277.36
01.00 239.70 15.00 288.86
02.00 250.55 20.00 292.12
03.00 255.30 25.00 294.00
04.00 264.11 30.00 298.77
05.00 269.1

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Sample 2: Khulna

Time Weight (in grams) Time Weight (in grams)

00.00 136.8 10.00 206.5
01.00 151.70 15.00 211
02.00 170.69 20.00 204
03.00 182.75 25.00 209
04.00 192.2 30.00 212.9
05.00 200.18

Sample 3: Gazipur

Time Weight (in grams) Time Weight (in grams)

00.00 231.3 10.00 335.6
01.00 287.2 15.00 345
02.00 310.85 20.00 345.95
03.00 318.17 25.00 352
04.00 327 30.00 345.89
05.00 330.96

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Comparing all three together:

After certain interval samples start showing decrease in weight due to loss of mass and after
10 minutes the samples starts losing their compactness and starts breaking apart. Once in
water for 20 minutes the briquette gets totally loosened and almost loses its structure. It can
still be burnt again after drying as rice husk dust.

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Figure: Successive condition of briquette over time under water

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B: Detailed Survey Report

Question Format Used for Survey

Date:

User: Residential/ Commercial

Name of the person Interviewed:

Location or Address:

1) What you use as cooking fuel?

2) If not Briquette, then why not, what do you use instead, what are the costing, will you
ever switch to Briquette?
3) If you use Briquette then how long have you been using it?
4) Where do you buy it from and at what rate?
5) Is it easily available throughout the year?
6) What fuel did you use previously, why did you switch to Briquette?
7) Did that fuel use required any maintenance?
8) Can you give us a volumetric analysis?
9) Can you give us a cost analysis?
10) Do you face any problems with briquette storage?
11) What are its reactions to water?
12) Do you face any problem lighting it?
13) What are the problems you face with briquette?
14) What suggestions do you have for its improvement?
15) Can you think of any fuel better than Briquette which you will use in future if
available?

02 July, 2011

User: Briquette Manufacturer.

Person Interviewed: Operator of the Briquette Machine.

Location: Rice mill, Naogaon.

An interview with a briquette machine operator in a large scale

rice mill in Naogaon revealed the following information.

- The machine has a 30hp motor

- Power is transmitted from motor to screw from pulley to
pulley with 3 belts
- The motor is rotated antilock wise using over arm
- Main bearing is to be replaced every three months

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 - Die barrel costs about 600Tk and lasts for 15 days, but can be bored 2-3 times up to
2.5 to 4 inches
- Over arm costs 500Tk and is to be repaired using welding and machining in lathe
- Die heating coil is rolled over the barrel and is wrapped with insulating material for
reduction in heat loss
- If operated together two machines running in the mill can produce 40-50 mon in 24
hours
- Briquette selling price is 230Tk per mon (40 Kg)

13 July, 2011

User: Seller of Briquette.

Name of the person Interviewed: Kamal Ahmed, Owner, Ma Janani Store.

Location or Address: Kawran bazzar, Dhaka.

After scrolling through Kawron bazaar we found that only one store sells Briquette there.
Information gather from him are listed below-

- He sells Briquette at Tk 600 per ton and fuel wood Tk 400 per ton.
- He collects Briquette from Tongi Rail gate and claimed that they collect it from
Nobinogor, Shavar where it is produced.
- The vendor has been in this business for about 8 months
- His sale of fire wood is higher than Briquette.
- He sells about 20-25 Tons of Briquette and about 30 tons of Wood every month.
His major buyers of Briquette are mostly people from Shylet who buy if for large scale
cooking. A hand full number of local cooks also prefer it.
- As he is the only vendor of Briquette in Kawron bazaar, it gives a fair idea that
Briquette demand with in the city is very low comparing to fuel wood which is sold in
many other shops in great mounds.

13 July, 2011

User: Commercial User.

Name of the person Interviewed: Cook at a Hotel, name not taken.

Location or Address: Kawran bazzar, Dhaka.

We also roamed the market in search of small hotels that use Briquette. But in the city most
hotels rely on gas, those who don’t have access to gas use kerosene stoves. But we did find a
particular hotel in the market which uses Briquette. Our findings are listed below-

- It was a very small make shift hotel in the bazaar and certainly had small scale use of
fuel.
- They have been using Briquette for about 2 years now.
- Previously they used kerosene stove, but it required frequent repair, so they switched
to Briquette.
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 - They claim considering current market price costing remains almost same for Briquette
and Kerosene.
- Briquette lights up easily and heats up things quickly.
- They are satisfied using it.

27 July, 2011

User: Commercial
Name of the person Interviewed: Sumon, tea seller and briquette retailer.
Location or Address: PolliBiduut Bazaar, Nobinogor, Shavar.

The survey was conducted in PolliBiduutBazaar, Nobinogor, Shavar. A man named Shumon is
both a user and whole seller of Briquette who runs a tea stall there. The findings are listed
below-

- He has been using Briquette for more than 7 years

- He buys Briquette from Buribazar, Ashulia in mons (40 Kg) and sells them in retail in
Nobinagar
- He buys them at 280-285 Tk per mon and sells at 8 Tk per Kg.
- Previously he used to use Kerosene stove but it
was expensive.
- He required about 3 liters of kerosene which
required about 150 Tk.
- Whereas he requires only 5-6 kg of Briquette
which costs about 50 Tk.
- Briquette produces a very fine and long lasting
flame as per his claim.
- It also shows no deviation in properties if stored
for long time.
- But it is critical to water and once it is wet it deforms and becomes useless.
- It is also hard to light up in the morning.

We met another tea seller who uses wood. When asked he admitted that Briquette is better
than wood and he uses wood only because he mostly keeps his store closed.

26 August, 2011

User: commercial
Name of the institution: BhaiBhai Cha Stall
Location or Address: Sadar, Joypurhat.

1) What you use as cooking fuel?

- Briquette.
2) If not Briquette, then why not, what do you use instead, what are the costing, will you
ever switch to Briquette?
-N/A

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 3) If you use Briquette then how long have you
been using it?
-2.5 years.
4) Where do you buy it from and at what rate?
-From local market at 240 -250 Taka per 40 Kg.
5) Is it easily available throughout the year?
-Yes, here we have 8-9 dealers in the market,
so even one doesn’t have it, the other does.
6) What fuel did you use previously, how much
and why did you switch to Briquette?
-Fire wood, about 10-12 Kg. I switched to briquette as it is more economical and easy
to use.
7) Did that fuel use required any maintenance?
-No.
8) Can you give us a volumetric analysis for briquette?
-About 8 Kg a day.
9) Can you give us a cost analysis?
-Around 80 Taka a day.
10) Do you face any problems with briquette storage?
-Rain & water.
11) What are its reactions to water?
-Makes it useless.
12) Do you face any problem lighting it?
-Yes, it is hard to light up and requires some kerosene for initial burning.
13) What are the problems you face with briquette?
-Dry storage and ash disposal.
14) What suggestions do you have for its improvement?
-Better water resistance.
15) Can you think of any fuel better than Briquette which you will use in future if
available?
-Electric device or gas.

27 August, 2011

User: commercial
Name of the institution: Rahim Cha Stall
Location or Address: Sadar, Joypurhat.

1) What you use as cooking fuel?

- Briquette.

2) If not Briquette, then why not, what do you use instead, what are the costing, will you
ever switch to Briquette?
-N/A

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 3) If you use Briquette then how long have you
been using it?
-2.5 years.
4) Where do you buy it from and at what rate?
-From local market at 240 -250 Taka per 40
Kg.
(Local marketers by it from nearby district of
Naogaon.)
5) Is it easily available throughout the year?
-Yes.
6) What fuel did you use previously, how much and why did you switch to Briquette?
-Fire wood, about 8-10 Kg. I switched to briquette as it requires less storage space than
wood and is easier to use.
7) Did that fuel use required any maintenance?
-No.
8) Can you give us a volumetric analysis for briquette?
-About 6 Kg a day.
9) Can you give us a cost analysis?
-Around 50 Taka a day.
10) Do you face any problems with briquette storage?
-Rain & water.
11) What are its reactions to water?
-Loses shape and burning ability.
12) Do you face any problem lighting it?
-Yes, it is hard to light up and requires some kerosene for initial burning.
13) What are the problems you face with briquette?
-Dry storage and need of cutting before use.
14) What suggestions do you have for its improvement?
-Better water resistance and easily breakable.
15) Can you think of any fuel better than Briquette which you will use in future if
available?
-Gas.

27 August, 2011

User: Residential
Name of the person interviewed: Sopna, a house wife.
Location or Address: At a slum in Sadar, Joypurhat.

1) What you use as cooking fuel?

-Kerosene stove.
2) If not Briquette, then why not, what do you use instead, what are the costing, will you
ever switch to Briquette?
-Briquette storage requires space which we don’t have. In future if we have space we
may use it.

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27 August, 2011

User: Residential
Name of the person interviewed: Anwar hosain, a rickshaw puller.
Location or Address: Sadar, Joypurhat.

1) What you use as cooking fuel?

-Kerosene stove or fuel wood.
2) If not Briquette, then why not, what do you use instead, what are the costing, will you
ever switch to Briquette?
-Briquette requires space for storage and is also good for commercial use not
residential. It burns for a long time but doesn’t burn with high heat.

29 August, 2011

User: Residential
Name of the person Interviewed: Fatemakhatun, house wife.
Location or Address: Sadarupazila, Joypurhat.

1) What you use as cooking fuel?

- Gas stove and Briquette.
2) If not Briquette, then why not, what do you use instead, what are the costing, will you
ever switch to Briquette?
-Use of briquette is hazardous, requires special stove and is hard to break.
3) If you use Briquette then how long have you been using it?
-3 years.
4) Where do you buy it from and at what rate?
-From local market at 250 Taka per 40 Kg.
5) Is it easily available throughout the year?
-Yes.
6) What fuel did you use previously, why did you switch to Briquette?
-Kerosene. It had an awful smell and was not safe to use.
7) Did that fuel use required any maintenance?
-Yes.
8) Can you give us a volumetric analysis?
-1 gas cylinder a month and about 15 Kg briquette (mostly used for tea making and
small scale cooking).
9) Can you give us a cost analysis?
-Around 120 Taka per month for briquette only.
10) Do you face any problems with briquette storage?
-Water and space.
11) What are its reactions to water?
-Makes it damp and useless.
12) Do you face any problem lighting it?
-Doesn’t light up easily and requires kerosene for initial burning.
13) What are the problems you face with briquette?
-Cooking on stove and breaking it before use.
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 14) What suggestions do you have for its improvement?
-Do something about the stove.
15) Can you think of any fuel better than Briquette which you will use in future if
available?
-Gas or Electric Heater.

29 August, 2011

User: commercial
Name of the person Interviewed: Abdul Hameed Molla
Location or Address: Railroad, sadarupazila, Bagerhat.

1) What you use as cooking fuel?

- Briquette &kerosene.
2) If not Briquette, then why not, what do you use instead, what are the costing, will you
ever switch to Briquette?
-unavailability of briquette switches him to kerosene. (no costing is given)
3) If you use Briquette then how long have you been using it?
-10 years.
4) Where do you buy it from and at what rate?
-300 tk per 40kg from khulna.
5) Is it easily available throughout the year?
-No. (Available season is not mentioned)
6) What fuel did you use previously, why did you switch to Briquette?
-Kerosene. Lower price switched me to briquette.
7) Did that fuel use required any maintenance?
-No.
8) Can you give us a volumetric analysis?
-20 to 30 kg per week.
9) Can you give us a cost analysis?
-150- 225 Taka per week.
10) Do you face any problems with briquette storage?
-Rain & water.
11) What are its reactions to water?
-Make it damp.
12) Do you face any problem lighting it?
-No except in damp condition.
13) What are the problems you face with briquette?
-Transportation.
14) What suggestions do you have for its improvement?
-Increase its heating value.
15) Can you think of any fuel better than Briquette which you will use in future if
available?
-Electric device or gas.

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01 September, 2011

User: commercial
Name of the institution: Road side tea stall
Location or Address: Sadar, Joypurhat.

1) What you use as cooking fuel?

- Briquette.
2) If not Briquette, then why not, what do you use instead, what are the costing, will you
ever switch to Briquette?
-N/A
3) If you use Briquette then how long have you been using it?
-2 years.
4) Where do you buy it from and at what rate?
-From local market at 240 -250 Taka per 40 Kg.
5) Is it easily available throughout the year?
-Yes it is.
6) What fuel did you use previously, how much and why did you switch to Briquette?
-When I opened the shop I started using briquette.
7) Did that fuel use required any maintenance?
-N/A.
8) Can you give us a volumetric analysis for briquette?
-About 2 -2.5 Kg a day
9) Can you give us a cost analysis?
-Around 25 Taka a day.
10) Do you face any problems with briquette storage?
-Rain, water and space problem.
11) What are its reactions to water?
-It gets ruined.
12) Do you face any problem lighting it?
-Yes, it is hard to light up and requires some kerosene for initial burning.
13) What are the problems you face with briquette?
-Storage space, storage condition and use of special cooking stove.
14) What suggestions do you have for its improvement?
-Remove the stove and make it easily breakable.
15) Can you think of any fuel better than Briquette which you will use in future if
available?
-Kerosene stove.

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 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

Conference Papers

1. M. M. Alam, H. Islam, M. Hasan, T. A. Siddique, 2011, “A Study of Biomass Briquette in

Bangladesh”, PI- RE- 02, 9th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering (ICME
2011), BUET, Dhaka.

2. M. M. Alam, H. Islam, M. Hasan, T. A. Siddique, 2011, “A Study of Biomass Briquette in

Bangladesh”, PI- 106, 1st International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research
(ICMER 2011), University of Pahang, Malaysia.

3. M. M. Alam, H. Islam, M. Hasan, T. A. Siddique, 2011, “A Study of Biomass Densified

Fuel (Briquette) in Bangladesh”, PI- 214, 1st International Conference on Mechanical
Engineering & Renewable Energy (ICMERE-20 11), CUET, Chittagong.

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