IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jcltec/v7y2025i1p22-d1606965.html

Design and Implementation of a Low-Pressure Briquetting Machine for the Use of Pinus spp. Wood Residues: An Approach to Appropriate Rural Technology

Author

Listed:
  • Mario Morales-Máximo

    (Facultad de Ingeniería en Tecnología de la Madera, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Edif. D, Ciudad Universitaria, Morelia 58040, Mexico
    Programa de Maestría en Educación Ambiental, Universidad Intercultural Indígena de Michoacán, Carretera Pátzcuaro-Huecorio Km 3, Pátzcuaro 61614, Mexico)

  • Víctor Manuel Ruíz-García

    (Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad (IIES), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Morelia 58190, Mexico
    Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Ciudad de Mexico 03940, Mexico)

  • José Guadalupe Rutiaga-Quiñones

    (Facultad de Ingeniería en Tecnología de la Madera, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Edif. D, Ciudad Universitaria, Morelia 58040, Mexico
    Programa de Maestría en Educación Ambiental, Universidad Intercultural Indígena de Michoacán, Carretera Pátzcuaro-Huecorio Km 3, Pátzcuaro 61614, Mexico)

  • Luis Bernado López-Sosa

    (Programa de Maestría en Educación Ambiental, Universidad Intercultural Indígena de Michoacán, Carretera Pátzcuaro-Huecorio Km 3, Pátzcuaro 61614, Mexico)

Abstract

This research analyzes the technical feasibility and implementation of an appropriate technology for the production of briquettes from Pinus spp. waste (sawdust and shavings) in a rural community in Michoacán, Mexico. The results indicate that local small-scale briquette production in the Pichátaro community has the potential to boost a local economy based on the manufacturing and marketing of densified solid biofuels. The design of the manual briquetting machine was developed through a participatory approach with community users. Structural simplicity and locally accessible maintenance were prioritized, the aspects that were addressed little in previous studies. The machine allows for the production of briquettes using a low-cost mixture composed of sawdust and Pinus spp. shavings, corn starch, and water. Based on local conditions and production needs, parameters such as reduced processing times and simplified manufacturing methods were identified as essential to establishing an efficient regional production and supply chain. Furthermore, the valorization of solid waste through the production of alternative biofuels contributes to the diversification of the energy matrix in rural residential sectors and small industries in communities in Mexico. The estimated cost of the machine is USD 75.44, and most of its components are easily replaceable, which favors its sustainability and prolonged use. This study demonstrates that the implementation of a low-pressure briquette system based on appropriate rural technologies represents a viable strategy for the use of wood waste and the promotion of sustainable energy solutions in rural communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario Morales-Máximo & Víctor Manuel Ruíz-García & José Guadalupe Rutiaga-Quiñones & Luis Bernado López-Sosa, 2025. "Design and Implementation of a Low-Pressure Briquetting Machine for the Use of Pinus spp. Wood Residues: An Approach to Appropriate Rural Technology," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:7:y:2025:i:1:p:22-:d:1606965
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8797/7/1/22/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8797/7/1/22/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Shah, Syed Ale Raza & Naqvi, Syed Asif Ali & Riaz, Sabahat & Anwar, Sofia & Abbas, Nasir, 2020. "Nexus of biomass energy, key determinants of economic development and environment: A fresh evidence from Asia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    2. Samadi, Seyed Hashem & Ghobadian, Barat & Nosrati, Mohsen, 2020. "Prediction and estimation of biomass energy from agricultural residues using air gasification technology in Iran," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 1077-1091.
    3. Michał Bembenek, 2020. "Exploring Efficiencies: Examining the Possibility of Decreasing the Size of the Briquettes Used as the Batch in the Electric Arc Furnace Dust Processing Line," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-10, August.
    4. Green, D., 1999. "Cross cultural technology transfer of sustainable energy systems: A critical analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 16(1), pages 1133-1137.
    5. Sinsel, Simon R. & Riemke, Rhea L. & Hoffmann, Volker H., 2020. "Challenges and solution technologies for the integration of variable renewable energy sources—a review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 2271-2285.
    6. Robert Bailis & Rudi Drigo & Adrian Ghilardi & Omar Masera, 2015. "The carbon footprint of traditional woodfuels," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 5(3), pages 266-272, March.
    7. Assefa, G. & Frostell, B., 2007. "Social sustainability and social acceptance in technology assessment: A case study of energy technologies," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 29(1), pages 63-78.
    8. García-Frapolli, Eduardo & Schilmann, Astrid & Berrueta, Victor M. & Riojas-Rodríguez, Horacio & Edwards, Rufus D. & Johnson, Michael & Guevara-Sanginés, Alejandro & Armendariz, Cynthia & Masera, Omar, 2010. "Beyond fuelwood savings: Valuing the economic benefits of introducing improved biomass cookstoves in the Purépecha region of Mexico," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 69(12), pages 2598-2605, October.
    9. Joseph I. Orisaleye & Simeon O. Jekayinfa & Christian Dittrich & Okey F. Obi & Ralf Pecenka, 2023. "Effects of Feeding Speed and Temperature on Properties of Briquettes from Poplar Wood Using a Hydraulic Briquetting Press," Resources, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, January.
    10. Rahman, Mohammad Mafizur & Velayutham, Eswaran, 2020. "Renewable and non-renewable energy consumption-economic growth nexus: New evidence from South Asia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 399-408.
    11. Önder Kabaş & İlker Ünal & Salih Sözer & Kemal Cagatay Selvi & Nicoleta Ungureanu, 2022. "Quality Assessment of Biofuel Briquettes Obtained from Greenhouse Waste Using a Mobile Prototype Briquetting Machine with PTO Drive," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-14, November.
    12. Stolarski, Mariusz J. & Szczukowski, Stefan & Tworkowski, Józef & Krzyżaniak, Michał & Gulczyński, Paweł & Mleczek, Mirosław, 2013. "Comparison of quality and production cost of briquettes made from agricultural and forest origin biomass," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 20-26.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Guadalupe Pérez & Jorge M. Islas-Samperio & Genice K. Grande-Acosta & Fabio Manzini, 2022. "Socioeconomic and Environmental Aspects of Traditional Firewood for Cooking on the Example of Rural and Peri-Urban Mexican Households," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-30, July.
    2. Robert Ugochukwu Onyeneke & Chinyere Augusta Nwajiuba & Jane Munonye & Uwazie Iyke Uwazie & Nkechinyere Uwajumogu & Christian Obioma Uwadoka & Jonathan Ogbeni Aligbe, 2019. "Improved Cook-stoves and Environmental and Health Outcomes: Lessons from Cross River State, Nigeria," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-13, September.
    3. Luis Bernardo López-Sosa & José Núñez-González & Alberto Beltrán & Mario Morales-Máximo & Mario Morales-Sánchez & Montserrat Serrano-Medrano & Carlos A. García, 2019. "A New Methodology for the Development of Appropriate Technology: A Case Study for the Development of a Wood Solar Dryer," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-20, October.
    4. Saeed Solaymani, 2021. "A Review on Energy and Renewable Energy Policies in Iran," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-23, June.
    5. Victor M. Berrueta & Montserrat Serrano-Medrano & Carlos García-Bustamante & Marta Astier & Omar R. Masera, 2017. "Promoting sustainable local development of rural communities and mitigating climate change: the case of Mexico’s Patsari improved cookstove project," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 140(1), pages 63-77, January.
    6. Zapata, Sebastian & Castaneda, Monica & Aristizabal, Andres J. & Dyner, Isaac, 2022. "Renewables for supporting supply adequacy in Colombia," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PC).
    7. Figaj, Rafał, 2021. "Performance assessment of a renewable micro-scale trigeneration system based on biomass steam cycle, wind turbine, photovoltaic field," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 193-208.
    8. Özbek, Sefa & Naimoğlu, Mustafa, 2025. "The effectiveness of renewable energy technology under the EKC hypothesis and the impact of fossil and nuclear energy investments on the UK's Ecological Footprint," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    9. Leary, Jon & Leach, Matthew & Batchelor, Simon & Scott, Nigel & Brown, Ed, 2021. "Battery-supported eCooking: A transformative opportunity for 2.6 billion people who still cook with biomass," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    10. Missbach, Leonard & Steckel, Jan Christoph & Vogt-Schilb, Adrien, 2024. "Cash transfers in the context of carbon pricing reforms in Latin America and the Caribbean," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    11. Savranlar, Buket & Atay Polat, Melike & Aslan, Alper, 2023. "What are the mistakes we think are correct about the ‘Natural resource curse’ hypothesis? New insights from quantile regressions via method of moments for EU," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    12. MacCarty, Nordica A. & Bryden, Kenneth Mark, 2016. "An integrated systems model for energy services in rural developing communities," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 536-557.
    13. Wentrup, Jonas & Pesch, Georg R. & Thöming, Jorg, 2022. "Dynamic operation of Fischer-Tropsch reactors for power-to-liquid concepts: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    14. Geoffrey Ssebabi Mutumba & Tomson Odongo & Francis Nathan Okurut & Vincent Bagire & Livingstone Senyonga, 2022. "Renewable and non-renewable energy consumption and economic growth in Uganda," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 2(7), pages 1-28, July.
    15. Eregha, Perekunah Bright & Adeleye, Bosede Ngozi & Ogunrinola, Ifeoluwa, 2022. "Pollutant emissions, energy use and real output in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 44(1), pages 64-82.
    16. Bot, Bill Vaneck & Axaopoulos, Petros J. & Sakellariou, Evangelos I. & Sosso, Olivier Thierry & Tamba, Jean Gaston, 2022. "Energetic and economic analysis of biomass briquettes production from agricultural residues," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 321(C).
    17. Wang, Mingtao & Zhang, Juan & Liu, Huanwei, 2022. "Thermodynamic analysis and optimization of two low-grade energy driven transcritical CO2 combined cooling, heating and power systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    18. Aggarwal, Raavi & Missbach, Leonard & Somanathan, E. & Steckel, Jan Christoph & Sterner, Thomas, 2025. "Negative health effects of carbon prices can outweigh the climate benefits in developing countries," EfD Discussion Paper 25-9, Environment for Development, University of Gothenburg.
    19. Namahoro, J.P. & Wu, Q. & Su, H., 2023. "Wind energy, industrial-economic development and CO2 emissions nexus: Do droughts matter?," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(PA).
    20. Wang, Zhiwei & Lei, Tingzhou & Chang, Xia & Shi, Xinguang & Xiao, Ju & Li, Zaifeng & He, Xiaofeng & Zhu, Jinling & Yang, Shuhua, 2015. "Optimization of a biomass briquette fuel system based on grey relational analysis and analytic hierarchy process: A study using cornstalks in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 523-532.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:7:y:2025:i:1:p:22-:d:1606965. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.