Biomass Densification in Thailand .

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to review (1) the supply of briquetting equipment and scope for briquetting machine manufacturing, (2) the present and potential production of briquettes, (3) the present potential market of briquettes and (4) the present use of briquettes and potential use of briquettes in Thailand. Methodology of the study consists of (1) the review of literature on the subject proper and on related subjects, and (2) the field survey of briquette production and usage in selected provinces of the North, Northeast and Central region of Thailand. The result of the research could be summarized as follows : The briquetting machine and equipment was first manufactured in Thailand in the late 1970’s following the import of a few screw extruders from Taiwan. It is V.S. Machien company that first manufactured the briquetting machine and equipment for commercial purpose and subsequently many other companies had followed suit. Presently only V.S. Machine company and B.S.C. Groups of Industry are found to continue manufacturing briquetting machines and equipment. Two types of briquetting machine are available : high pressure and low pressure briquetters. The briquette under the present production is divided into four types : ricehusk briquette, uncarbonized sawdust briquette, carbonized sawdust briquettes (biocoal) and green fuel. For the most part, ricehusk briquette is produced by the factories in Central region and distributed through wholesalers to refugee camps in the areas bordering with Loas and Kampuchea. Carbonized and uncarbonized sawdust briquettes are found to be produced in the North and Central regions. The uncarbonized sawdust briquette is also supplied to the refugee camps whereas the cabonized sawdust supplied to South Korea as well as the domestic market. Green fuel has not been under the commercial production as it has been going through the demonstration step only in support of the Green Isarn Project. The market of briquettes in very limited and is confined to particular groups of users : the refugee camps, temples in Bangkok, South Korea, local restaurants and food vendors. Green fuel to be used by military units, jails, households and food vendors. The production and distribution of briquettes for commercial purpose is potentially possible if raw materials used for production, uncertain supply of the product, high price and poor quality of the products are eliminated.