Production of bio-briquettes from pineapple peels and sewage sludge as an alternative renewable energy

Abstract

The need to investigate an eco-friendly and renewable alternative energy source has been prompted by issues relating to the depletion of conventional fuel resources. One of the best green energy alternatives is bioenergy, which also encourages the sustainable use of agricultural waste. This study was carried out to investigate the utilization of pineapple peels for bio-briquette production. This study aimed to determine the characterization of bio-briquette by using different variations in the composition of sewage sludge, pineapple peels, and adhesive types, and to investigate the effect of different adhesive types on briquette characteristics. This research used rejected papaya, cow dung, and starch as the adhesive. The sludge, peels, and adhesives were blended in the ratios of (90:0:10); (70:20:10); (60:30:10); (30:60:10); (20:70:10); and (0:90:10). The result shows that the optimum briquettes were produced from (0:90:10) composition which was 0% sludge, 90% peel, and 10% starch. These briquettes with (0:90:10) composition had a water content of 5%, ash content of 11%, volatile matter of 13%, fixed carbon of 76%, and calorific value of 4,753.99 Cal/g. Calorific values increased as the composition of pineapple peels increased. Moreover, briquette with starch as the adhesive had better physical properties compared to adhesive from rejected papaya and cow dung.