Utilization of Brown Coal with Ceara Rubber (Manihot glaziovii) Binder for Biobriquettes

Abstract

Based on the ultimate and proximate analysis, brown coal and ceara rubber (biomass) had low calorific values of 5,349 and 3,319 kcal/kg, respectively. The ceara rubber was not included in the food ingredient because it contained chemicals such as toxic cyanide acid. This research was conducted to utilize the biomass in biobriquettes that had added value and became a more environmentally friendly energy source compared to fossil fuels. The mixing ratio of the biobriquette was determined at various particle sizes. Biobriquette preparation included crushing, drying, size reduction, sieving, mixing, molding, and testing. The produced biobriquette was cylindrical with a diameter of 3 cm and pressing pressure of 7 metric tons. Biobriquette analysis included compressive strength tests, tests of density, tests of moisture, ash, and fixed carbon content, tests of the volatile matter, and tests of calorific values. These biobriquettes were expected to increase the selling value of low-rank coal and become one alternative to more environmentally friendly solid fuel for cooking purposes. Based on the research results, the best biobriquette had a particle size of 60 mesh. The result showed that the best particle size was on the mixing ratio of 3:2, with the net calorific value reaching 4,300.8 kcal/kg.