What is a briquette and what is its etymological origin?

A briquette is defined as a compressed block of coal dust or other combustible biomass material, such as charcoal, sawdust, wood chips, peat, or paper, used as fuel and kindling to start a fire. The term itself is a diminutive derived from the French word "brique," which translates to "brick."

What problem did coal briquettes address in the coal mining industry?

Coal briquettes were developed to utilize 'small coal,' which refers to the finely broken coal inevitably produced during the mining process. This fine coal was difficult to burn efficiently because it hindered adequate airflow through a fire and tended to be drawn up chimneys, creating visible black smoke.

How were the earliest coal briquettes, known as "culm bombs," made, and what was their primary drawback?

The earliest coal briquettes, referred to as "culm bombs," were created by hand-moulding with a small amount of wet clay acting as a binder. Their main disadvantage was that the unburned clay resulted in a high ash content, which could obstruct airflow through a grate.

What significant engineering advancement from the Victorian era improved the production of coal briquettes?

The Victorian era saw advancements in engineering, notably the introduction of the hydraulic press, which made it possible to produce machine-made briquettes with a significantly reduced binder content.

What types of binders were used in machine-made coal briquettes, and what was their key advantage?

Machine-made briquettes typically used binders such as tar or pitch, sourced initially from gas making and later from petrochemical industries. The advantage of these binders was that they burned away completely, resulting in a low-ash fuel.

What was Phurnacite, and who was responsible for its development?

Phurnacite was a proprietary brand of briquettes developed by Idris Jones for Powell Duffryn. Its purpose was to replicate the performance of high-quality anthracite coal.

What was the typical composition of Phurnacite briquettes?

Phurnacite briquettes were formulated from a blend of different coal types, consisting of 25% bituminous coal, 45% steam coal, 22% dry steam coal, and 8% pitch.

How did the shape of briquettes, such as Phurnacite, enhance their usability?

While early briquettes were large and brick-shaped, Phurnacite briquettes later adopted a squared oval shape. This regular form allowed for efficient packing in a firebed, ensuring good airflow, and also facilitated mechanical feeding into automatically controlled heating boilers.

What common ingredients are found in charcoal briquettes intended for cooking?

Charcoal briquettes sold for cooking purposes typically contain a mix of wood charcoal, lignite coal, anthracite coal, limestone (for ash color), starch (as a binder), borax (as a release agent), sodium nitrate (as an accelerant), sawdust, wax (in some brands for binding and ignition), and chaff (such as rice or peanut chaff).

According to a common guideline, how much does one charcoal briquette increase the temperature of a Dutch oven?

As a rule of thumb, a single charcoal briquette is estimated to increase the temperature of a camping Dutch oven by approximately 25°F (14°C).

What binder was historically used for homemade charcoal briquettes in Japan during the Edo period?

During Japan's Edo period, a polysaccharide extracted from red algae was widely employed as a binder for homemade charcoal briquettes, known as *tadon*.

What materials became the primary components of Japanese briquettes during the Meiji period, and what were these briquettes called?

Following the introduction of steam engines in the Meiji period, coal and clay became the main ingredients for Japanese briquettes, which were identified as *rentan* and *mametan*.

Which types of Japanese briquettes were exported to China and Korea?

The Japanese briquettes known as *rentan* and *mametan* were exported to China and Korea.

What are modern mass-consumed charcoal briquettes in Japan often made from?

Modern mass-consumed charcoal briquettes, such as the *Ogatan* type, are commonly made from woody flakes like sawdust or coffee dust.

What are the common names for cylindrical briquettes used in China, and what do these names refer to?

Cylindrical briquettes used throughout China are known by names such as "feng wo mei" (meaning beehive coal), "Mei" (meaning coal), or "lian tan" (meaning kneaded coal).

What is the historical origin of the "Mei" briquettes used in China?

The "Mei" briquettes used in China originated from the Japanese "Rentan" (kneaded coal), which was developed in Japan during the 19th century and subsequently spread to regions like Manchukuo, Korea, and China in the early 20th century.

How are Chinese briquette cookers designed to facilitate continuous heating?

Chinese briquette cookers are typically simple ceramic vessels with metal exteriors. They are designed so that when one briquette cylinder is depleted, another can be placed on top to ignite, allowing the fire to be sustained by swapping out spent cylinders for fresh ones.

What is the typical duration a briquette cylinder lasts in these Chinese cookers?

A single briquette cylinder used in these specialized Chinese cookers can last for over an hour.

In which country are peat briquettes a common type of solid fuel, and what are their key characteristics?

Peat briquettes are a common type of solid fuel in Ireland. They are characterized as virtually smokeless, slow-burning, and easy to store and transport, having largely replaced raw peat sods for domestic use.

Beyond serving as a primary fuel, how else are peat briquettes utilized in Ireland?

In Ireland, peat briquettes are also used to efficiently light coal fires and are sometimes employed for grilling meats and vegetables, imparting a distinct aroma to the food.

Which state-owned company in Ireland is responsible for peat production and the manufacturing of peat briquettes?

Bord na Móna is the Irish state-owned company that manages peat resources and oversees the production of peat briquettes.

What are biomass briquettes typically made from, and what fuels do they aim to replace?

Biomass briquettes are produced from agricultural waste and are designed to serve as an alternative to fossil fuels such as oil or coal.

Why are biomass briquettes considered a renewable energy source with environmentally neutral carbon emissions?

Biomass briquettes are classified as a technically renewable energy source. Their emissions are not considered anthropogenic greenhouse gases because the carbon released was recently absorbed from the atmosphere, unlike fossil fuels which release carbon sequestered over geological timescales.

What factors limit the widespread adoption of briquetting technology?

The widespread implementation of briquetting technology is often constrained by the substantial initial investment costs and the significant energy consumption associated with high-pressure briquetting presses.

What alternative briquetting technology is considered suitable for developing countries?

Manual low-pressure briquetting presses, which operate at pressures below 5 MPa, are considered a viable alternative for developing countries due to their user-friendliness and lower energy requirements.

How have companies in India benefited from switching to biomass briquettes for their boiler fuels?

Companies in India have transitioned to biomass briquettes to achieve cost savings on boiler fuels. Additionally, using biomass briquettes can lead to the earning of Carbon Credits by reducing atmospheric emissions, and they offer a higher calorific value per kilogram, potentially saving 30-40% on boiler fuel expenses.

How are wood briquettes typically manufactured in developed countries, and what acts as the binding agent?

In developed countries, wood briquettes are commonly manufactured by compressing waste wood, such as sawdust, and extruding it into reconstituted logs. The natural lignin present in the wood serves as the binding agent, eliminating the need for external binders.

How do wood briquettes compare to traditional firewood in terms of burning efficiency and moisture content?

Wood briquettes are generally more efficient to burn than firewood. They typically have a low moisture content, as low as 4%, whereas green firewood can contain as much as 65% moisture.

What are the typical physical and thermal properties of fuel briquettes made from sawdust in Ukraine via extrusion?

Fuel briquettes produced by extrusion from sawdust in Ukraine typically exhibit a density ranging from 1.0 to 1.2 t/m³, a heat content between 19.3 and 20.5 MJ/kg, and an ash content of 0.5 to 1.5%.

Describe the extrusion production technology used for manufacturing briquettes.

The extrusion production technology involves processing screw wastes, such as straw or sunflower husks, or finely shredded wood waste like sawdust, by extruding them under high pressure and heat, typically between 160 to 350°C.

What is the difference between solid briquettes and briquettes with holes in terms of their manufacturing and combustion?

Solid briquettes are manufactured using a piston press, while briquettes with a hole are produced via a screw press. The hole, created by the screw thread, increases the briquette's surface area, which in turn aids in more efficient combustion.

What is a paper briquette, and what process is used to create it?

A paper briquette is a small cylindrical form created by compressing shredded paper material using a briquettor.

What is the National Security Agency's (NSA) regulation regarding the particle size of shredded paper for briquetting?

The National Security Agency (NSA) specifies a maximum particle size for shredded paper material intended for briquetting, which generally should not exceed 3 mm (1/8 inch) square.

What are the optimal moisture content levels for shredded paper and wheat straw when preparing them for briquetting?

Research indicates that the optimal moisture percentage for briquetting is 18% for paper and 22% for wheat straw.

What are the environmental benefits of processing paper waste into briquettes?

Briquetting paper waste offers significant environmental benefits, primarily through a volume reduction of up to 90% compared to traditional shredding. This leads to more efficient transportation and storage, thereby reducing associated costs and fuel consumption.

Besides waste reduction, what are other uses for compressed paper briquettes?

Compressed paper briquettes are valuable in paper mills for the production of recycled paper. They can also be utilized as fuel for starting fires or as an insulating material.

What is the primary safety concern associated with using charcoal burners in enclosed spaces?

Experts generally warn that charcoal burners should not be used in enclosed environments for heating homes due to the severe danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What are the dual purposes of a briquette as described in its definition?

A briquette serves a dual purpose as both a compressed block of combustible material used for fuel and as kindling to help start a fire.

What specific type of coal was difficult to burn efficiently on its own, leading to the development of briquettes?

'Small coal,' which is the finely broken coal produced during the mining process, was difficult to burn efficiently on its own due to issues with airflow and its tendency to be drawn up chimneys.

What is the significance of the "Kingsford" brand mentioned in relation to charcoal briquettes?

The image caption references "Kingsford" charcoal briquettes, indicating a specific brand associated with this type of fuel.

What type of fuel is depicted in the image labeled "Lignite briquette"?

The image labeled "Lignite briquette" shows a briquette made from lignite, which is a type of coal.

What does the image labeled "Rekord Brikett" show?

The image labeled "Rekord Brikett" shows a coal briquette, likely a specific product or brand.

What is "Yeontan," as referenced in the East Asian briquettes section?

"Yeontan" is identified as a Korean coal briquette, as shown in one of the image captions.

What are "Mametan" and "Ogatan" in the context of Japanese briquettes?

"Mametan" refers to Japanese coal briquettes, while "Ogatan" refers to Japanese charcoal briquettes typically made from sawdust.

What is "High calo tan" and what is it made from?

"High calo tan" is a type of briquette made from coffee dust.

What is "Tadon" and what is it associated with in Japanese culture?

"Tadon" is the Japanese term for homemade charcoal briquettes, and they are shown alongside a "shichirin," which is a type of traditional Japanese charcoal grill.

What are cylindrical briquettes in China referred to as, and what do these terms mean?

Cylindrical briquettes in China are referred to as "feng wo mei" (beehive coal), "Mei" (coal), or "lian tan" (kneaded coal).

What is the primary environmental benefit cited for briquetted paper waste compared to traditional shredding?

The primary environmental benefit of briquetting paper waste is a significant volume reduction, claimed by manufacturers to be up to 90% compared to traditional shredding.

What specific warning do experts issue regarding the use of charcoal burners in enclosed spaces?

Experts generally warn that charcoal burners should not be used in enclosed environments for heating homes due to the severe danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is the purpose of limestone when included in charcoal briquettes for cooking?

Limestone is included in charcoal briquettes for cooking as an ash colorant.

What role does starch play in the composition of charcoal briquettes?

Starch is used as a binder in the composition of charcoal briquettes.

Briquette Wiki: The Compressed Fuel Chronicle: Understanding Briquettes

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What is a Briquette?

Compressed Fuel Form

A briquette is a compressed block of coal dust or other combustible biomass material, such as charcoal, sawdust, wood chips, peat, or paper. These are utilized as fuel and kindling to initiate a fire. The term itself is a diminutive derived from the French word brique, meaning brick, reflecting its solid, block-like form.

Purpose and Function

Briquettes serve as an efficient and convenient fuel source. By compressing fine materials, they overcome issues like poor airflow associated with loose dust and prevent fuel from being drawn up the chimney. This makes them ideal for various heating and cooking applications, offering a more controlled and effective burn than raw materials.

Historical Context

The concept of briquetting emerged as a method to utilize 'small coal' – the finely broken coal produced during mining. Initially, these were hand-molded with clay as a binder. The advent of Victorian engineering, particularly the hydraulic press, revolutionized briquette production, enabling machine-made versions with minimal binder content for improved efficiency and reduced ash.

Coal Briquettes

From Waste to Fuel

Coal briquettes were historically developed to efficiently use 'small coal,' which was difficult to burn due to poor airflow and tendency to escape up the chimney. Early forms, known as 'culm bombs,' used wet clay as a binder, but this resulted in high ash content. Victorian engineering advancements, especially the hydraulic press, allowed for machine-made briquettes using tar or pitch binders, which burned cleanly.

Phurnacite and Innovation

A notable example is Phurnacite, developed in the South Wales coalfield. This briquette aimed to emulate high-quality anthracite coal. It was produced by blending various grades of coal with pitch as a binder. The resulting squared oval shape packed well, facilitating good airflow and enabling the development of automatically controlled heating boilers that could operate for extended periods with minimal human intervention.

Composition Example

A typical blend for a high-quality coal briquette like Phurnacite might include:

Bituminous coal: 25%
Steam coal: 45%
Dry steam coal: 22%
Pitch (binder): 8%

Charcoal Briquettes

Culinary Fuel

Charcoal briquettes commonly sold for cooking food are typically made from a blend of wood charcoal, lignite coal, and anthracite coal. Binders like starch are used to hold the mixture together, while additives such as limestone (for ash color), borax (as a release agent), sodium nitrate (as an accelerant), and wax (for ignition) are often included to enhance performance and ease of use.

The Dutch Oven Rule

A practical guideline for using charcoal briquettes in cooking, particularly with Dutch ovens, suggests that each briquette can raise the temperature by approximately 25°F (14°C). Therefore, a specific number of briquettes can be used to achieve a desired cooking temperature, offering a quantifiable method for heat management in outdoor cooking.

East-Asian Briquettes

Japanese Innovations

In Japan, charcoal briquettes, known as tadon, have a history dating back centuries, initially using red algae extracts as a binder. During the Meiji period, coal and clay became primary ingredients, leading to products like rentan and mametan, which were exported. Modern Japanese briquettes, such as ogatan, often use sawdust or coffee dust as primary ingredients.

Korean Tradition

In Korea, yeontan are traditional coal briquettes, often cylindrical, that were a staple for heating and cooking. Their widespread use has declined due to environmental concerns, particularly sulfur oxide emissions, and the availability of cleaner energy sources.

Chinese Usage

Throughout China, cylindrical briquettes, referred to as mei (coal) or lian tan (kneaded coal), are used in specialized cookers. These originated from Japanese rentan technology and were popular in regions like Manchukuo and Korea. While declining in Japan, they remain in use in China and Vietnam, often for traditional cooking.

Peat Briquettes

Irish Fuel Source

In Ireland, peat briquettes have largely replaced raw peat sods as a common domestic fuel. Derived from the decomposition of marsh plants, peat briquettes are shredded and compressed to create a virtually smokeless, slow-burning fuel that is easy to store and transport. They are effective for lighting coal fires and are also used for grilling, imparting a unique aroma to food.

Bord na Móna

The Irish state-owned company, Bord na Móna, is responsible for peat extraction and the production of peat briquettes, playing a significant role in the country's energy landscape.

Biomass Briquettes

Sustainable Energy

Biomass briquettes are manufactured from agricultural waste and serve as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels like oil and coal. They are used in industrial boilers and have significant applications in developing countries. Unlike coal briquettes, their emissions are considered carbon-neutral as the carbon released was recently absorbed from the atmosphere.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

While high-pressure briquetting presses require substantial investment, manual low-pressure presses offer a more accessible technology for developing nations. In India, many companies have switched to biomass briquettes for boiler fuels, achieving cost savings and earning carbon credits by reducing emissions. These briquettes offer a higher calorific value per kilogram compared to traditional fuels.

Wood Briquettes

A popular form in developed countries involves compressing waste wood, such as sawdust, using extrusion. The natural lignin in the wood acts as a binder, creating reconstituted logs that are more efficient than firewood. With moisture content as low as 4%, they offer superior combustion compared to green firewood, which can have moisture levels up to 65%.

Paper Briquettes

Waste Reduction

Paper briquettes are produced by compressing shredded paper material, typically processed through disintegrators to achieve a particle size suitable for briquetting. This process can reduce the volume of shredded paper waste by up to 90%, significantly improving transport and storage efficiency and lowering disposal costs.

Industrial and Fuel Use

Compressed paper briquettes are valuable for paper mills in the creation of recycled paper. They can also be utilized as a fuel source for starting fires or as an insulating material. Optimal moisture content for paper briquetting is around 18%, ensuring efficient compression and combustion.

Safety Considerations

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Experts strongly caution against using charcoal burners or briquettes for heating enclosed spaces. The incomplete combustion of charcoal can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that is highly toxic. Adequate ventilation is paramount when using any fuel that involves combustion, especially in indoor environments.

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References

.html%5D All About Charcoal. virtualweberbullet.com. Retrieved May 11, 2007.

Casa Uno. "Charcoal and Casa Uno Camp Dutch Ovens". Publication Number 2019-DO-0001. Page 2. Casa Uno. 2019.

Physical properties of briquettes from waste paper and wheat straw mixtures [1]

A full list of references for this article are available at the Briquette Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional advice regarding fuel selection, safety protocols, or environmental impact assessments. Always consult with qualified experts and adhere to safety guidelines when handling fuels or operating combustion equipment.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Compressed Fuel Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is a Briquette? ℹ️

🧱 Compressed Fuel Form

🔥 Purpose and Function

💡 Historical Context

Coal Briquettes 🪨

⚙️ From Waste to Fuel

🏭 Phurnacite and Innovation

📊 Composition Example

Charcoal Briquettes 🔥

🍽️ Culinary Fuel

🌡️ The Dutch Oven Rule

East-Asian Briquettes 🌏

🏯 Japanese Innovations

🇰🇷 Korean Tradition

🇨🇳 Chinese Usage

Peat Briquettes 🌿

🏞️ Irish Fuel Source

🏭 Bord na Móna

Biomass Briquettes 🌱

♻️ Sustainable Energy

💰 Economic and Environmental Benefits

🪵 Wood Briquettes

Paper Briquettes 📄

📰 Waste Reduction

🏭 Industrial and Fuel Use

Safety Considerations ⚠️

⛑️ Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer 📜

ℹ️ Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Briquette?

Compressed Fuel Form

Purpose and Function

Historical Context

Coal Briquettes

From Waste to Fuel

Phurnacite and Innovation

Composition Example

Charcoal Briquettes

Culinary Fuel

The Dutch Oven Rule

East-Asian Briquettes

Japanese Innovations

Korean Tradition

Chinese Usage

Peat Briquettes

Irish Fuel Source

Bord na Móna

Biomass Briquettes

Sustainable Energy

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Wood Briquettes

Paper Briquettes

Waste Reduction

Industrial and Fuel Use

Safety Considerations

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice