briquette

A briquette is a compact block or rod formed by compressing combustible materials into a uniform shape to improve handling, storage, and combustion characteristics. Briquettes can be made from a range of materials, including biomass residues (such as sawdust, wood chips, straw, and bagasse), charcoal fines, coal, or mixtures of these substances. They are often hardened by binders or by the natural lignin content of the biomass.

Types and materials commonly used include biomass briquettes, which are produced from agricultural and forestry residues; charcoal briquettes, which are made from powdered charcoal with a binder; and coal briquettes, which use coal dust as a primary component. The specific composition determines burn temperature, duration, and emissions.

Production generally involves drying the feedstock to reduce moisture, size reduction, blending with a binder if needed, forming under high pressure in a briquetting press, and drying or curing the formed briquettes. Charcoal briquettes may require carbonization of the raw material before binding and shaping. The goal is to produce a uniform, durable product with predictable energy content.

Uses include domestic heating and cooking, industrial heat applications, and barbecue grilling. Briquettes offer standardized energy content, improved handling, and reduced storage space compared with loose biomass or coal, and can help utilize waste streams more efficiently.

Advantages often cited are higher energy density, easier transport, reduced smoke and odor, and more consistent burn characteristics. Limitations can include variability in material quality, moisture content, and binder performance, which affect calorific value and ash production. Availability and price depend on regional sourcing and production capacity.