2. Crushing (Disintegration): This is a technological process involving the breaking down of material into smaller parts. It is carried out by cutting, tearing, impact, pressure or smashing. The aim is to achieve the required particle size and structure, which directly affects the quality of the final product.

3. Drying: This ensures the raw material has the optimum moisture content required for subsequent processes, particularly briquetting and pelletising. For example, in co-current gasification, low moisture content is crucial for increasing gas production efficiency.

4. Compaction: The transformation of biomass into high-quality solid biofuels, such as pellets and briquettes. During this process, the volume of the material is reduced by a factor of 6 to 19.

• Volume reduction: Crushing can reduce volume by up to 80 per cent, resulting in significant savings on transport and storage costs.
• Structural homogenisation: A uniform material structure is important for the stability of subsequent manufacturing processes.
• Particle size: This is a prerequisite for most recovery methods, including composting or incineration.

• Surface-to-volume ratio: This parameter has a significant influence on the combustion process. A high ratio is desirable for rapid combustion in industrial boilers, whilst a low ratio is ideal for long and even combustion in a fireplace.
• Shape: In terms of surface area to volume ratio and porosity, a sphere appears to be the optimal shape, whilst a cone is the least suitable. In practice, however, manufacturing feasibility and the wear and tear on moulding tools must also be taken into account.
• Storage and transport: The shape of the moulded part affects what is known as ‘space utilisation’. Shapes such as squares or hexagons can fill a space completely, which is advantageous for transport but less suitable for the combustion process, where oxygen needs to be able to flow through the gaps.