KOMAREK: Frequently Asked Questions

Roll press briquetting is a mechanical compaction process that transforms fine powders or loose materials into dense, uniform shapes using high pressure transferred through two counter rotating rolls.

Briquetting and compaction granulation systems are used across various industries including mining, minerals, chemicals, agriculture, and metals. These processes help convert waste fines into valuable products, improve material handling, and reduce dust and material loss.

Compaction granulation and briquetting are both agglomeration processes, which take fine dust or powders and combine the individual particles or fragments into larger, densified masses. Compaction granulation produces smaller, uniform granules, while briquetting forms larger defined shapes. Both processes can be completed through roll press technology, although compaction is typically followed by a secondary piece of equipment to granulate the final product.

Dry granulation uses pressure to compact powders into granules without liquids, whereas wet granulation uses liquid binders followed by drying. Dry methods are more energy-efficient and ideal for moisture-sensitive materials.

High pressure grinding is the process of applying pressure to a material causing it to crack, fracture or break apart. High pressure grinding is typically used to reduce particle size, perform comminution and material liberation, or increase Blaine and material surface area. High pressure grinding is a technique used in various mining, cement, and mineral processing applications.

Basically, high pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs) are a type of roll press technology used to perform high pressure grinding. Material is compressed under high pressure between two counter-rotating rolls causing multiparticle cracking, fracturing, and breaking. HPGRs are energy-efficient technology used to perform size reduction, material liberation, and comminution.

High pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs) are highly efficient technology used to grind, crush, or liberate material.  HPGRs are used to perform size reduction, material liberation, and comminution, which in many applications, have been proven to be more efficient with preferred product output than traditional technologies such as ball mills, SAG mills, AG mills, rod mills, and crushers.

Typically, HPGR test work on the KR-330 can be complete with sample sizes as small as 5-gallons. For many materials, this sample size is large enough to perform one test through the HPGR. For test work with varying operational parameters required for process optimization and production validation, 55-gallons is typically required. For large scale test work in high-capacity applications, material sample sizes can range anywhere from 1 to 3 tons.

HPGRs are a material and process dependent technology. Actual product output varies greatly based on material type, material characteristics, feed size, and moisture content.

Industrial briquetting machines can process a wide range of materials, including salt, lithium carbonate, coal, charcoal, steel mill waste, metal powders, specialty chemicals, fertilizers, and minerals such as lime, magnesium oxide, and more. KOMAREK briquetting systems are engineered to handle both laboratory-scale samples and high-capacity production applications.

Segmented roll tires are replaceable sections mounted onto a briquetting press roll. This design allows for easier maintenance by replacing only worn segments instead of the entire roll. Segmented rolls are especially beneficial for high-temperature or abrasive materials, improving durability and reducing long-term operating costs.

KOMAREK’s DH400, DH450, and DH500 briquetting machines are compatible with both segmented and solid roll designs. This flexibility allows operators to optimize their equipment based on material type, wear conditions, and production requirements.

Cantilevered roll designs allow for faster roll removal and replacement without extensive disassembly. This reduces maintenance downtime, lowers operational costs, and improves overall equipment efficiency—making it a valuable feature for high-throughput briquetting operations.

Selecting the right briquetting machine depends on your material properties, required throughput, and final product specifications. Factors such as particle size, moisture content, and compressibility must be evaluated. KOMAREK offers material testing and engineering support to recommend the most effective briquetting solution for your process.

Yes, KOMAREK designs and manufactures custom briquetting and compaction granulation equipment tailored to specific applications. Machines can be engineered to accommodate unique material characteristics, feed systems, and plant layouts to ensure optimal performance.

The typical lead time for a new industrial briquetting machine ranges from 3 to 9 months. This includes material evaluation, engineering design, lab testing, final approvals, and manufacturing. This process ensures each machine is built to meet exact application requirements and performance goals.

Binder-based briquetting uses additives to improve briquette strength and durability, while binder less briquetting relies solely on pressure to form briquettes. The best approach depends on your material properties. KOMAREK provides testing and consultation to determine the most efficient and cost-effective method.

KOMAREK briquetting machines are designed for industrial materials such as minerals, chemicals, and metals. They are not intended for processing raw biomass materials like wood fibers or biofuel briquettes.

Maintenance frequency depends on usage and material type, but routine inspections and wear part replacement ensure optimal performance and longevity. Download our maintenance checklist to ensure everything is covered.

Yes, KOMAREK manufactures high-quality replacement parts not only for its own briquetting machines but also for equipment from other manufacturers. This includes custom roll tires and critical wear components.

All critical briquetting machine components are manufactured in the United States at KOMAREK’s advanced facility. In-house machining, heat treatment, and finishing processes ensure high performance, durability, and reliability.

Yes, KOMAREK has installed over 800 briquetting machines worldwide. Our team provides global installation support, commissioning, and production startup services across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.

A KOMAREK plant audit evaluates your entire briquetting system, including material flow, handling processes, and machine performance. The audit identifies opportunities to improve product quality, reduce maintenance costs, and minimize downtime while increasing overall productivity.

Material testing helps determine how a specific material behaves under pressure, including compressibility, moisture sensitivity, and binding characteristics. This ensures the selected equipment will perform efficiently and produce consistent results. You can learn more about this in our Lab Assistant Manager Jaime Farriols’ Blog Post.

Pilot-scale testing simulates real production conditions to validate process performance before full-scale investment. It reduces risk by confirming throughput, product quality, and equipment configuration.

Test work provides critical data such as optimal pressure levels, material behavior, briquette strength, density, and throughput potential. This information guides equipment selection and process design.

Yes, laboratory and pilot-scale testing services allow materials to be evaluated under controlled conditions. This helps identify the best process and equipment setup before committing to full-scale production.