A fuel briquette is essentially a compressed block of combustible material used as fuel. As defined, it is a compressed block of coal dust or other combustible biomass material (e.g. charcoal, sawdust, wood chips, peat, or paper) used for fuel and kindling to start a fire. These blocks are formed by compacting loose, often waste, materials into a dense, solid shape, making them more efficient and easier to handle than their raw components.
Materials Used in Fuel Briquettes
Fuel briquettes can be made from a wide variety of substances, primarily focusing on readily available combustible biomass materials or fine coal dust. Common materials include:
- Charcoal: Often made from wood or other organic matter.
- Sawdust: A byproduct of milling operations.
- Wood Chips: Small pieces of wood, often from forestry waste.
- Peat: Partially decayed vegetation found in bogs.
- Paper: Recycled paper waste can be used.
- Coal Dust: Fine particles leftover from coal processing.
These materials are typically dried, sometimes mixed with a binder, and then compressed under high pressure to form the briquette.
Purpose and Use Cases
The primary purpose of a fuel briquette is to serve as fuel and kindling to start a fire. Their dense nature allows them to burn longer and more consistently than loose materials. They are widely used in:
- Heating: For stoves, boilers, and fireplaces in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Cooking: Especially charcoal briquettes, which are popular for grilling and barbecues.
- Starting Fires: Their consistency makes them excellent kindling.
The Name's Origin
The term "briquette" is derived from the French word brique, meaning "brick." "Briquette" itself is a diminutive, essentially meaning "little brick," referring to the block-like shape they often take on.
Why Use Briquettes?
Briquettes offer several advantages over burning loose biomass or raw coal dust:
- Higher Energy Density: Compression makes them store more energy in a smaller volume.
- Consistent Burning: Their uniform size and density lead to a more predictable burn rate.
- Reduced Waste: They utilize waste materials, turning them into a valuable energy source.
- Easier Handling and Storage: The compact shape simplifies transport and stacking.
- Lower Emissions (potentially): Depending on the material and manufacturing process, some briquettes can burn cleaner than raw fuels.
