Method: Compression
It seemed that the greatest benefit could be realized by compressing the biomass as much as possible, to increase it's density and heating value, minimize initial moisture content, and make a more durable, easily stored product. However, these advantages are offest by the greatly reduced cycle time per unit and amount of mess generated (like pressing apple cider, except in this case... horse apples.)
Initial tests were done using a wooden lever-press (images forthcoming) which worked but provided perhaps little advantage over pressing into a form by hand and was much slower. Brief tests were also conducted using a 22-ton shop press, as seen below. Note the "black gold" running out of the form. The amount of moisture even in a "dry" mix can be surprising.
Initial tests were done using a wooden lever-press (images forthcoming) which worked but provided perhaps little advantage over pressing into a form by hand and was much slower. Brief tests were also conducted using a 22-ton shop press, as seen below. Note the "black gold" running out of the form. The amount of moisture even in a "dry" mix can be surprising.
Form size in this test was 19" x 5 3/4" (ID), resulting in a completed brick of ~6" in length.