One of the most important characteristics of a fuel is its calorific value, that is the amount of energy per kg it gives off when burnt. The calorific value can thus be used to calculate the competitiveness of a processed fuel in a given market situation. There is a range of other factors, such as ease of handling, burning characteristics etc., which also influence the market value, but calorific value is probably the most important factor and should be recognized when selecting the raw material input.
| CALORIFIC VALUES OF BRIQUETTES FROM VARIOUS RAW MATERIALS FOR FUEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of Material | Ash (%) | Heat of Combustion Kcal |
| Peat | 29 | 3180 |
| Charcoal | 4.5 | 7213 |
| Bagasse | 1.8 | 4380 |
| Coir Pitch | 9.1 | 4146 |
| Sugarcane | 10 | 3996 |
| Jute Waste | 3 | 4428 |
| Palm Husk | 4.9 | 3900 |
| Tea Waste | 3.8 | 4237 |
| Barks Wood | 4.4 | 1270 |
| Wood Chips | 1.2 | 4785 |
| Paddy Straw | 15.5 | 3469 |
| Wheat Straw | 8 | 4100 |
| Mustard Stalk | 3.4 | 4200 |
| Mustard Shell | 3.7 | 4300 |
| Bamboo Dust | 8 | 4160 |
| Forestry Waste | 7 | 3000 |
| Babool [Wood] | 0.9 | 4707 |
| Tobacco Waste | 31.5 | 2910 |
| Sunflower Stalk | 4.3 | 4300 |
| Soya bean Husk | 4.1 | 4170 |
| Groundnut shells | 2.4 | 4626 |
| Briquettes of bark | 3.4 | 4487 |
| Coffee waste No.1 | 2 | 4371 |
| Coffee waste No. 2 | 5 | 4434 |
| Coffee waste No. 3 | 1.7 | 4438 |
| Briquettes of chips | 3 | 4800 |
| Briquettes of paper | 1.5 | 4841 |
| Castor Seed Shells | 8 | 3862 |
| Saw Dust Briquettes | 8.2 | 3898 |
| Cotton Stalks / Chips | 3 | 4252 |
| Briquettes of papyrus | 5.6 | 3965 |
| Briquettes of sawdust | 0.7 | 4654 |
| Briquettes of rice husk | 15 | 3881 |
| Briquettes of bark and binder | 4.8 | 4459 |
| Briquettes of groundnut shells | 2.8 | 4661 |
| Briquettes of straw and coal dust | 6.1 | 4826 |
| Briquettes of clean chopped straw | 5.3 | 4403 |
| Straw + coal dust + rape seed waste | 3.8 | 4100 |
| Briquettes of shells from palm oil kernels | 2 | 4985 |