Sawdust is a common wood waste product generated in certain timber processing plants. Some consider wood shavings and sawdust to be identical. Others, however, regard wood shavings as a specific type of wood particle produced from sawdust. Sawdust, wood shavings, wood powder, small wood chips, and small wood blocks are all termed wood shavings. If sold directly for recycling, the price per tonne is relatively low. However, when processed into manufactured charcoal using a charcoal-making machine, sawdust becomes highly valuable. Barbecue charcoal briquettes, in particular, command a premium price, yielding profits several times higher.
The answer is: Yes. Sawdust can be carbonised into charcoal powder using a continuous carbonisation furnace. This facilitates subsequent briquetting processing.
Sawdust is first passed through a drum screen to separate impurities. This prevents contaminants from affecting subsequent processing and final product quality.
Pure sawdust is then dried in a drum dryer to evaporate moisture. This process operates at temperatures of 100-200°C. This step prevents excessive water vapour generation during carbonisation, thereby avoiding delays in sawdust carbonisation time.
Dried sawdust is conveyed via a transport system into a continuous carbonization furnace. The furnace interior is heated to 400–600°C, fully carbonising the sawdust into charcoal powder. This constitutes the most critical stage in charcoal pellet production. Inadequate carbonisation directly compromises the quality of the final product.
The charcoal powder is processed in a binder mixer. Approximately 20% moisture and 5% binder are added. The mixture is thoroughly blended using the mixer. The binder facilitates the moulding of charcoal briquettes, ensuring a dense and compact texture.
The thoroughly mixed charcoal powder is then processed through a charcoal briquette machine. Under high temperature and pressure, it is compressed into specific shapes. Moulds for the briquette press can be customised to meet different customer requirements. Shapes that can be produced include: cubes, cylinders, hexagonal prisms, etc. An automatic coal block cutting machine is provided. This cuts the briquettes into uniform lengths.
The compressed briquettes retain some moisture. They require natural air-drying or drying in ovens until fully cured. The finished product is then packaged using a packaging machine for final sale and storage.
In summary, sawdust serves as an excellent raw material for charcoal briquettes. Its high calorific value yields high-quality finished briquettes with extended burning times. Utilising locally available sawdust resources can generate significant economic and environmental benefits