Combustion, Physical And Mechanical Characteristics Of Briquettes Produced From Coconut Residues By Three Companies In Ghana

Abstract

Converting biomass into a product that can be utilised efficiently for energy production is vital for its proper use. During briquetting, agricultural waste is turned into a product that is easily transportable, easy to handle, and easy to handle, as well as solid blocks that are more beneficial than raw biomass. Because of their makeup and natural differences, it is essential to be aware of the ideal techniques that must be adopted for more durable and lasting fuel from individual biomass compacted into briquettes. The physical, mechanical, and combustion characteristics of the bio-briquettes samples were examined in this study. The moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, density, ash content, calorific value, and compressive strength were analysed with existing standards and compared with the values from the other studies. Results revealed that the briquettes samples have a mean value of moisture content (7.02 - 8.76%), volatile matter (46.11- 61:03%), fixed carbon (41.64 - 26.26%), briquette density (1.16 -1.33g/cm³) ash content (55 - 63.8%), calorific value (22.35 - 21.45MJ/kg) and compressive strength in cleft (0.43-1.25N/mm²)-suitable for domestic use, packaging, storage and transportation. This study has revealed that durable and quality briquettes can be achieved with better combustion, physical and mechanical properties can be produced with coconut husk and shell with cassava starch as a binder and can serve as another way of accessing energy and controlling waste.