Advances in Charcoal Briquetting Machines: A Comprehensive Review of Technologies, Performance, and Sustainable Applications

Abstract

This review meticulously investigates the technological framework surrounding charcoal briquetting machines, accentuating their operational mechanisms, efficiency metrics, and diverse applications. Employing a systematic literature review methodology, a total of 26 peer-reviewed articles were meticulously curated from the Scopus and Google Scholar databases, encompassing the years 2000 to 2025, predicated on established performance, design, and application parameters. The analysis delineates briquetting machines into four principal classifications: manual, hydraulic piston, screw extruder, and roller press machines. Significant findings indicate that manual machines provide cost-effectiveness and suitability for rural contexts, albeit at the expense of lower production throughput. Hydraulic piston presses improve the durability and consistency of briquettes, while screw extruders facilitate the continuous manufacture of high-calorific briquettes, though they are associated with elevated wear rates. Roller press machines demonstrate exceptional performance at the industrial scale with reduced binder requirements. Notwithstanding their advantages, all machine types present inherent trade-offs regarding energy efficiency, cost implications, and operational intricacy. Contemporary trends underscore the significance of automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) in enhancing overall performance. The investigation proposes the formulation of hybrid systems that amalgamate the straightforwardness of manual designs with the operational efficacy of automated presses. Furthermore, it endorses customized deployment strategies: low-maintenance units for rural environments and sophisticated systems intended for industrial applications. These findings aspire to guide forthcoming design innovations and policy advocacy for sustainable biomass energy initiatives.