PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF BRIQUETTES USING SELECTED BRIQUETTING MATERIALS

This study investigated the performance characteristics of briquettes produced from three commonly available briquetting materials namely: charcoal dust, coconut shell and sugarcane bagasse. The research determined optimal binding ratios and assess key performance parameters including density, moisture content, shatter resistance, burning rate, burning time and ash content. Samples were prepared using cassava starch as a binder at varying ratios (5-25% by weight) and compressed under controlled pressure conditions. The briquetting materials were varied by replicating each sample to obtain an average result including their physical and combustion properties to determine which briquetting material is best and their distinct advantages for different application. The result analysis for the three briquetting samples tested shows the range of value as; density is (0.33-2.66)g/cm3, shatter resistance(61.2-94)%, moisture content (23.80-55)%, burning rate(0.32-1.89)g/min, burning time(0.28-3.21)hour, ash content(27-77)%. The result analysis of the test shows that charcoal dust is the best briquetting material due to its long burning time and it's resistance against shatter which acts as a durable briquettes, at 5-15% binder level for day 2 and day 5. The total cost of the briquettes production stands at N40, 900 for 65kg and is sold at N3055 per 3kg.