Abstract
Charcoal briquettes are inexpensive solid fuels made from carbonized biomass. The potential of converting water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) charcoal into briquettes with molasses as binder was investigated in this study. Dried water hyacinth was carbonized at a temperature between 350°C to 500°C in a fabricated fine biomass carbonizer. A solution containing 80% by weight molasses was used in the production of briquettes having different charcoal/molasses ratios of 40:60, 30:70, and 20:80. Each briquette was characterized in terms of bulk density, calorific value, compressive strength, proximate analysis and micro-structure by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Charcoal briquettes were tested for their flammable characteristics through their burning rates and ignition time. Altering the molasses to charcoal ratio affected the quality and characteristics of the briquettes. Volatile combustible matter and fixed carbon increased with increasing amount of binder while ash content decreased. The 30:70 charcoal/molasses ratio produced the highest calorific value (16.6 MJ/kg) and compressive strength (19.1 kg/cm2). The results have shown the potential of converting water hyacinth into an alternative fuel source.
Highlights
Large volumes of waste biomass residues are generated annually in developing countries as byproducts of the commercial forestry, agricultural and industrial sectors
This study aims to characterize the optimum ratio of molasses to charcoal in order to produce fuel briquettes with a high calorific value and rapid ignition time
The presence of hydroxyl groups means that there is an alcohol present which could contribute to higher flammability of substances
Summary
Large volumes of waste biomass residues are generated annually in developing countries as byproducts of the commercial forestry, agricultural and industrial sectors. In the Philippines, about 30–50 million metric tons of wood fuel and biomass residues are estimated to be consumed per year [1]. This extensive use of fuel wood can pose environmental threats to forest trees and contribute to erosive processes. Fuel wood and biomass residues have low combustion efficiency, posing environmental and health hazards [2]. The utilization of biomass waste or residue as energy source could help alleviate dependence on imported energy and its use continues to be a topical issue in both developing and developed countries
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
