An Experimental Study on Biomass Fuel Briquettes’ Quality as a Product of Waste Conversion in Nekede, Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the quality of biomass fuel briquettes; a Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) made from bio-wastes generated from a local farm produce market in Nekede, Owerri, Nigeria, known as Umuokomoche daily market. The wastes were mainly waste groceries; vegetable stems, leaves, fruits, plantain peels and stems, yam and potato peels, corn hob and all sorts of discarded food / agro materials which constitute over 70% of the total Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) generated by the community. The study involved the design, fabrication and installation of a piston-type, hydraulic powered pedal operated Biomass Briquetting Machine. The briquettes produced were tested, in order to ascertain their quality as Refuse Derived Fuels (RDF). The biomass wastes generated were initially gathered, sun dried and carbonized through pyrolysis in a kiln. The biochar was then crushed and mixed with a 20% starch bond and finally fed to the machine as feedstock. The products (briquettes) recorded satisfactory combustion outcomes when tested. The preliminary results showed a calorific value of 4900Kcal/Kg which is adequate as a reliable and alternative energy source for domestic and industrial applications. Other parameters tested are; fixed carbon at 32%, Volatile matter at 44%, Moisture at 5% and are Ash content at 5.02%. A bulk density of 580 kg/m3 and a Compressive ratio of 1:2.5 were also recorded. Both results confirm the handling ability and ease of transportation of the briquettes. Therefore the briquettes are of good quality and reliable as an alternative energy source for domestic and industrial applications.