Preparation and Characterization of Coal-Biomass Briquetes
Abstract
The increasing demand for /clearer, affordable sustainable energy option for both domestic and industrial heating applications (cooking, electricity generation etc) especially at the rural and suburban in Nigeria and beyond has made it a matter of necessity for energy researchers to look outside the box. This research work seeks to take an innovative step by using a non-renewable built locally available energy source (coal) in blends with renewable agro-residues (Sawdust and Ricehusk), to produce Coal-biomass briquettes (renewable) and sustainable energy solution for cooking and other domestic and industrial heating applications. The coal-biomass were produced using a standard briquetting process. This involves a mixing, compaction, and drying. Characterization of the briquettes was achieved via evaluation of physicochemical parameters such as proximate and ultimate variable calorific value, hardness, durability and bulk density as well as mechanical and combustion variables. The result showed that the coal-biomass briquettes exhibited high calorific values in the range of 21642 to 21510kj/kg for coal-sawdust and 21710 to 21680kj/kg for coal-rice husk, the percentage fixed carbon of 15.45 and 15.50% respectively for coal-sawdust and coal-rice husk, which is very good for fuel performance. Also, the high volatility index of 52.30 and 54.60% low Sulphur is an indication that the coal-biomass briquettes can ignite easily and burn to release heat, and are ecofriendly. The blending of coal and sawdust, coal and rice husk is a safe and highly innovative way of converting the non-renewability of coal, and its environmental issues into a renewable with improved environmental friendliness. Also, the research work has low bare the socioeconomic benefits that comes with the application of locally but heavily generated agro-residues (biomass) for alternative energy solutions