Development of a Biomass Extruder

Abstract

Energy from biomass forms an important part of the world economy in form of traditional fuels. It continues to be significant fuel in many countries, especially for cooking and heating, particularly in developing nations. These wastes on the other hand, if densified, can become compact to transport in addition to giving them regular shapes and sizes which can also be tailored for efficient combustion. One of the methods of compacting biomass into a product of higher density than the original raw material is known as briquetting. A biomass screw extruder was developed using locally sourced materials. The machine has an overall dimension of 360,000 mm, screw volume of 0.000422 m³, die volume of 0.0068 m³, screw pitch of 0.0256 m, pitch angle of 0.307^o, pulley diameter of 586.67 mm, belt length of 380 mm and was made effective by a 5Hp/3phase electric motor. The machine produced briquette in a continuous operation and can be harnessed to curb agro residues indiscriminate disposal thus protecting the environment from pollution and invariably, turning waste to wealth. It can be easily maintained without any technicality and all materials used for the fabrication are locally available in the case of worn - out parts.