Physiochemical study of bio-briquette produced from cow dung, rice husk and saw dusk as an alternative fuel source for domestic purposes

Abstract

Briquettes as a source of energy could provide most suitable solution to the usual expensive and hazardous nature of Fossil sources and to properly align with sustainable development goals of low carbon emissions. The Physio-chemical properties and calorific value are the key determining factor for good briquette. Identifying the optimal biomass sources with favorable physio-chemical properties and high calorific values is essential for ensuring the sustainability and viability of bio-briquette. This research studied physiochemical and calorific values properties of Briquette obtained from Cow Dung Rice husk and Saw dusk, thereby conducting proximate analysis to prove their durability and heating characteristics for direct replacement of cooking gas. The findings indicate briquettes made from pure cow dung possesses highest moisture content of 7.24% that resulted to proportional lower fixed carbon content of , while samples made up of Saw dusk possesses lowest moisture content of 3.83%  with slightly higher fixed carbon content of 75.85%. Meanwhile, Samples made from Saw dusk  has the highest residual ash of 2.20% after burning the briquettes which in turn concedes the lowest volatility of the matter of 18.67%, the higher the ash content, the lower volatile matter content and vice versa in the case of pure cow dung sample. Their calorific values vary from 14.2MJ/kg to Sample A 21.58MJ/kg all samples demonstrate high qualities sufficient for adoption as alternative energy/heat source.