Utilization of sawdust and coconut shell as raw materials in briquettes production

Abstract

Energy consumption is continuously increasing along with the increase in population and economy level of society. The condition is aggravated with the imbalances of energy supply. An alternative energy source that cheap and renewable can be one of energy diversification solution to overcome the condition. One of alternative energy that worth to be developed is biomass energy. Biomass sources that available in abundant amount and not optimally utilized yet are sawdust and coconut shell. Both can be utilized as alternative energy sources through briquette production technology. The aim of the research is to know the optimum composition of sawdust and coconut shell to the briquette characteristics. The research was done with doing composition variation of sawdust and coconut shell that is 100%:0%, 75%:25%, and 50%:50% with 10% of tapioca starch concentration and pressing force 2500 psi. The research result showed that briquettes with no addition of coconut shell had calorific value 6725.85 cal/g, water content 2.64%, and ash content 1.16%. Briquettes with an addition 25% of coconut shell had calorific value 7054.96 cal/g, water content 2.73%, and ash content 1.75%. Briquettes with an addition 50% of coconut shell had calorific value 6591.25 cal/g, water content 2.79%, and ash content 2.64%. The characteristics of briquette had fulfilled the value of briquette quality standard SNI 01-6235-2000. Optimum composition of sawdust and coconut shell in briquette production from the research was 75%:25%.