Physical and Combustion properties investigation of hybrid briquettes from tropical Sawdust: Case study of Iroko (Milicia excelsa) and Padouk (Pterocarpus soyauxii)

Winnie Tchatat Tomen; Benjamin Salomon Diboma; Bill Vaneck Bot; Jean Gaston Tamba

Energy Reports (Dec 2023)

Physical and Combustion properties investigation of hybrid briquettes from tropical Sawdust: Case study of Iroko (Milicia excelsa) and Padouk (Pterocarpus soyauxii)

Winnie Tchatat Tomen,
Benjamin Salomon Diboma,
Bill Vaneck Bot,
Jean Gaston Tamba

Affiliations

Winnie Tchatat Tomen: Laboratory of Forest Resources and Wood Valorisation, Advanced Teacher’s Training College for Technical Education, University of Douala, PO Box 1872, Douala, Cameroon; Corresponding author.
Benjamin Salomon Diboma: Laboratory of Forest Resources and Wood Valorisation, Advanced Teacher’s Training College for Technical Education, University of Douala, PO Box 1872, Douala, Cameroon; Laboratory of Technology and Applied sciences, University Institute of Technology, University of Douala, PO Box 8698, Douala, Cameroon; Laboratory of Transport and Applied Logistics, University Institute of Technology, University of Douala, PO Box 8698, Douala, Cameroon
Bill Vaneck Bot: Laboratory of Energy, Materials, Modeling and Methods, National Higher Polytechnic School, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon
Jean Gaston Tamba: Laboratory of Forest Resources and Wood Valorisation, Advanced Teacher’s Training College for Technical Education, University of Douala, PO Box 1872, Douala, Cameroon; Laboratory of Technology and Applied sciences, University Institute of Technology, University of Douala, PO Box 8698, Douala, Cameroon; Laboratory of Transport and Applied Logistics, University Institute of Technology, University of Douala, PO Box 8698, Douala, Cameroon

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 9
pp. 3177 – 3191

Abstract

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In the wood processing industry, sawmills generate huge amounts of sawdust as a renewable energy source. This paper aims to describe the production process and investigate the physico-chemical properties of mixed briquettes from two tropical sawdust species, including Iroko (Chlorophora excelsa) and Padouk (Pterocarpus soyauxii) and starch binder. The sawdust from each wood was dried, mixed in the ratios of 100:0; 75:25; 50:50; 25:75; 0:100 and then carbonised in the pyrolyser. The biochar was ground, mixed in the combinations of 75:25; 50:50; 25:75 and compacted using a manual hydraulic press. Proximal and ultimate analyses were applied to determine the combustion characteristics of the briquettes produced according to ASTM standards and Van Kreleven models. The results of briquette production showed that pure Padouk sawdust (P) has a high yield (18.4%), while mixed sawdust (C’) has a lower yield (12.4%). The density varies from 0.28 g/cm 3 to 0.53 g/cm 3 and the ash content from 3.48% to 7.46%. The gross calorific value of the briquettes produced varies from 22.623 MJ/kg to 24.719 MJ/kg. The highest Gross Calorific Values (GCV) obtained on Padouk briquettes indicates their high content of extractables. Ultimate analysis of the samples showed that the briquettes were highly carbonaceous. The Van Krevelen diagram shows an atomic H/C ratio of less than 1.5 and an O/C ratio of less than 0.8 which indicate that the briquettes are highly flammable. The briquettes produced are suitable as an environmentally friendly alternative energy source as they have low moisture and ash content (below 10%), and high calorific values.

Published in Energy Reports

ISSN: 2352-4847 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/energy-reports/

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