Production of Fuel Briquettes from Waste Paper and Coconut Husk Admixtures

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Date

2007-02

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Agricultural Engineering International

Abstract

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.

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Keywords

Waste paper, coconut husk, briquettes, density, relaxation, durability

Citation

CIGR Vol. IX. February, 2007

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