Development and Packaging of Eco-friendly Biosolid Briquettes Synthesised with Bagasse for Green Energy Generation and Utilisation

• Abubakar S. MOHAMMED

  Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

• Mohammed ALIYU

  Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

• Mohammed U. GARBA

  Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

• Ibrahim S. MOHAMMED

  Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

• Ibrahim A. KUTI

  Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

• Meshack S. IMOLOGIE

  Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

• Umaru MUSA

  Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

• Olalekan D. ADENIYI

  Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

• Peter A. ADEOYE

  Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

• Abubakar G. ISAH

  Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

• Folarin T. OLORUNMOTITO

  Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

  Author

The development of eco-friendly biosolid produced from sugar-cane bagasse for efficient energy utilisation was undertaken. The study investigates the production of carbonised briquettes using selected biomass wastes: coconut husk (CH), corn cob (CC), and sugarcane bagasse (SB) with African locust bean pod powder as a binder. The biomass wastes were carbonised through pyrolysis at 400 ^oC for 6 hrs to produce biochar. A compressive force of 20kN was applied to the biochar in a cylindrical mould to provide adequate compaction for a desired briquette.  Physical, thermal, and combustion characteristics of the biochar were examined. Experimental samples were prepared based on the recommended Standard Methods. Unblended biochar (CH, CC, SB) is classified as 100; whereas, for the blended, 50% mix ratio of CH/CC, CH/SB, and CC/SB. For the three blends CH/CC/SB, a ratio of 33.33% each was employed. Tests were conducted to measure density, moisture content, ash content, hydrophobicity, combustion rate, ignition time, and calorific value. Results showed that CH briquettes had the highest density (1.35 g/cm³), while SB had the least (0.67 g/cm³). Corn cob demonstrated the lowest ash content (9.90%) compared to SB (14.87%) and CH (13.13%), indicating its suitability for clean combustion with less residue. Among blended briquettes, the CH/CC mixture achieved a moderate density of 0.73 g/cm³, and CH/SB achieved 0.97 g/cm³. Moisture content was lowest for CH/CC/SB (6.33%). The hydrophobicity test revealed that CC briquettes exhibited the highest hydrophobicity (26.08%), while CH had the lowest (18.26%). Combustion tests indicated that the CH/CC/SB blend had balanced performance in terms of ignition and combustion rates, making it a viable biosolid for fuel. Corn cob proved to be the best for clean, efficient combustion, while blended briquettes offered a good balance of strength, moisture content, and ash content. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing agricultural waste for green energy, offering a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

• FJET_12_41_34

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