Abstract:
The aim of the study is to determine a mixture of domestic solid waste and
coconut husk for composite biomass briquette production using cow dung as a
binder. A 170-litre metal drum with specified dimensions was used as a kiln
during the pyrolysis of the various feedstocks and a manually fabricated
cylindrical design press was employed for compaction. With the aid of
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the feedstocks were subjected to
characterisation. Moreover, an Oxygen Parr Bomb Calorimeter was used to
calculate the composite briquette's gross calorific value. Additionally, a LECO
932 CHNS elemental analyzer was utilized to determine the elemental
composition of the composite biomass briquette. Subsequently, a Water
boiling test was conducted to assess the suitability of the fuel compared to
traditional charcoal observing the fuel burning rate, specific fuel consumption,
ignition time, and thermal efficiency. Under optimal conditions such as a
feedstock ratio of 1:1 by weight 10% binder concentration and low-pressure
compaction, the composite biomass briquette production yielded 14
cylindrical lumps from 4.5 kilograms of composite biochar used. The
composite biomass briquettes had an optimal high heating value of 19.3 ± 0.1
MJ/kg, ash content of 7.4 ± 0.2 %, and 512.03g/ m3 bulk density. The cow
dung used as a binder demonstrated excellent lignin composition and adhesive
properties. The composite biomass briquettes show optimal combustion
properties, positioning them as efficient and suitable solid fuels for cooking
and heating in homes. These properties complied with the specifications
outlined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM E791-08)
Standard. The outcome of the study complements the body of knowledge on
composite biomass briquette technology in Sub-Saharan Africa. Also, this
study addresses the growing demand for clean and cheap domestic cooking
fuel while solving the widespread environmental challenges of improper
municipal solid waste disposal, indoor air pollution, and deforestation in
Ghana.
