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Table 3 Advantages, disadvantages, and applications of densification and densification products

From: Densification of agro-residues for sustainable energy generation: an overview

Advantages

Disadvantages

Applications

Smaller storage space requirement and convenience to use

Briquetting and pelletizing offer an inexpensive form of energy, creates eco-friendly environment, employment, and business opportunities

Composition pellets/briquettes fuels are homogeneous

Fuel pellets allow automation of stoking, thus improve the comfort for the user

Briquetting/pelletizing manufacture fuel with high mechanical strength, uniformity, and heating value than its feedstock

The use of briquettes/pellets in remote areas can reduce the time spent on gathering firewood, and this will reduce the risk associated with collecting firewood and saving the time for other profitable activities

Briquetting and pelletizing preserve wood and preventing the destruction of forests

They are not applicable for the production of liquid fuel

Additional energy input (essentially for drying, pressing, and grinding) increases the cost of production

Household cooking and heating using domestic stoves

As a feedstock for the manufacture of iron and steel through direct reduction route using a tunnel and rotary kilns

Co-fire in boiler, power plant for steam and energy generation

Commercial waste management techniques and control of greenhouse emissions

Food processing, dyeing, bleaching, and textile industries

Generation of heat in the manufacture of clay products;

Employed for generation of gas through Gasification processes

Distilleries, water cleaning applications, restaurants, bakeries, and canteens

Utilized for tobacco curing, oil milling, and tea drying

Nutrient fertilizer and land restoration