Abstract: A process and apparatus for densification of material compresses the material, then heats and cools the compressed material to provide structural integrity and durability to the resultant densified product. For a lignocellulosic biomass material an inherent binder is used. The binder is activated substantially only along the periphery of the compressed material to increase throughput and reduce energy used during the densification process. To optimize throughput and densified material density and durability, the process and apparatus includes a compaction pressure measurement that provides a signal to a constrictor located at the exit, or between the exit and initial compaction location, to automatically control compaction pressure as material type, initial density, moisture and load weight vary.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for densification of material compresses the material, then heats and cools the compressed material to provide structural integrity and durability to the resultant densified product. For a lignocellulosic biomass material an inherent binder is used. The binder is activated substantially only along the periphery of the compressed material to increase throughput and reduce energy used during the densification process.