PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FUEL BRIQUETTES AS ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCE

Abstract

The aim of this research was the production and characterization of fuel briquettes from waste paper, saw dust and hybrid binder. Searching for alternative energy suggests that in Ethiopia, electrical coverage is limited. On the other hand, tons of wastes are disposed as solid waste. In this work, availability and combustion properties of the raw materials have been studied. To conduct experiments, raw materials mix proportions were prepared using Taguchi’s L₉(3⁴) design. Sample briquettes were produced by a manually operated machine. Furthermore the, briquettes were characterized for combustion and physical properties. The highest calorific value, 3898.57 Kcal/Kg, was recorded from ratio of 65:15:20:15 waste paper, sawdust, wet cow dung, and waste flour, respectively. For this sample, a dry density of 0.26 gm/cm³, durability of 99.28%, weathering resistance of 6.37, Moisture content of 5.34%, ash content of 10.31, volatile matter of 73.54% and fixed carbon of 10.81 were recorded. In addition, the flame center temperature measured was 700- 845 ^oC. The practical success of this briquette was validated by baking the common Ethiopians food ‘Enjera’. A temperature of 200 ^oC – 220 ^oC was recorded at the center of the baking clay, which is more than the required 200 ^oC. The overall burning duration of briquettes was 40 minutes and almost smokeless. To have effective burning that is free of smoke, a suitable stove design that allows good oxygen circulation is recommended.  Therefore, popularizing this technology will contribute to substituting for the non-renewable energy demand of Ethiopians and other lower income communities.