The briquetting units shape fine materials into larger forms of varied shapes, sizes and volumes (from a few cc up to 600 cc and more), these characteristics are defined according to the product end use.
If the cohesive forces (particulate cohesion, valence forces ,recrystallization) between particles are low, a binder has to be used before agglomeration. The physical properties of the feed material, the end use of the briquettes and the cost of binder addition have to be taken into account before a selection is made. A large variety of (liquid or solid) binders is offered: starch, bentonite, bitumen, lime, cement, water, flour, lignosulphonates, molasses, polymer, resin, sodium silicate, etc...
The briquettes are obtained at a low or high pressure and can undergo mechanical or thermal treatment according to the characteristics of the processed material, the binder used and the desired end product.
Some of the materials that are commonly briquetted include:
- Chemicals
- Minerals
- Gypsum
- Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, lead
- Steel turnings
- Coal, Coke, Charcoal, Carbon Black
- Lignite, Peat
- Phosphates
- Clay
- Detergents
- Frozen Foods
- Sugar
- Glass Batch
- Dried Sewage Sludge