OPTIMIZATION OF BRIQUETTES PROPERTIES BASED ON BRIQUETTING TECHNIQUES AND THREE FEEDSTOCKS MIX USING TAGUCHI APPROACH

Abstract

Agricultural sector produces large quantity of by-products that are underutilized. Densification from these agro-wastes is critical towards production of eco-friendly solid fuels. Briquetting of solid fuels has been considered an alternative energy source. Briquetting from three feedstocks has been done, however, right mix and technique for compaction has not been fully studied. Thus, the broad objective of this study was to evaluate optimization of briquettes properties based on briquetting techniques and three feedstocks mix using Taguchi approach. Rice husk- maize cobs and bagasse feedstocks were carbonized using drum kiln. The chars were mixed at different mix ratios 1:1:1, 1:2:2, 1:3:3, 2:1:2, 2:2:3, 2:3:1, 3:1:3, 3:2:1 and 3:3:2 for husk, cobs and bagasse respectively. Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis technique was carried out for optimization. Optimal conditions of briquettes were attained at a mix ratio of 3:2:1 using the screw press technique. Physical properties, moisture content and density obtained at optimal were 6.43% and 904 kg/m3. Combustion characteristics investigated showed 3.63% (ash content), 18.56% (volatile matter), 77.81% (fixed carbon) and 29.04 MJ/kg (calorific value). From the analysis, (α=0.05), quality of briquettes was influenced by both technique and mix ratios. These research findings are of important since optimization increases efficiency of briquettes through waste reduction.