DSpace Repository :: Browsing by Author "Olorunnisola, A."

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1

Production of Fuel Briquettes from Waste Paper and Coconut Husk Admixtures
(Agricultural Engineering International, 2007-02) Olorunnisola, A.
Nigeria has abundant supplies of biomass resources, particularly agro-forestry residues and municipal solid waste, whose potentials are yet to be fully tapped for energy generation. The study was undertaken to investigate the properties of fuel briquettes produced from a mixture of a municipal solid waste and an agricultural residue, i.e., shredded waste paper and hammermilled coconut husk particles. Briquettes were manufactured using a manually-operated closed – end die piston press at an average pressure of 1.2 x 103 N/m2 using four coconut husk: waste paper mixing ratios (by weight), i.e., 0:100; 5: 95; 15: 85; and 25: 75. Results obtained showed that briquettes produced using 100% waste paper and 5:95 waste paper-coconut husk ratios respectively exhibited the largest (though minimal) linear expansion on drying. While the equilibrium moisture content of the briquettes ranged between 5.4 % and 13.3%, there was no clearly discernible pattern in e.m.c variation with increase in coconut husk content. A reciprocal relationship was observed between compressed/relaxed density and relaxation ratio of the briquettes. The mean durability rating of all the briquettes exceeded 95%. It was concluded that stable briquettes could be formed from waste paper mixed with coconut husk particles.