Correlation Analysis of Particle Sizes and Compression Ratios of Biomass Waste Briquettes

Abstract

The hazard constituted by biomass wastes in Nigeria has necessitated research on ways they can be utilized effectively. Transportation and storage problems associated with their low bulk densities has posed serious challenge thus there is need to convert them into briquettes. This research presentsthe correlation analysis of particle sizes and compression ratios of biomass waste briquettes produced using hydraulic briquetting press. Briquettes were produced from four sawdust materials (Stool Wood, Gmelina, Mahogany, Oil bean wood) and rice husk at five particle sizes (160μm,315μm,425μm,630μm and 1250μm) and at three pressures (18bar,20bar,22bar). Starch was used as the binder and the briquettes were produced at material: binder ratio of 89/11 percentage volume. Their bulk densities were calculated before and after briquetting there after the compression ratios were determined. Linear correlation model showed that particle sizes of Stool wood, Gmelina and rice husk has negative correlation with compression ratio with r values of (-0.84,-0.89,-0.92,) for stool wood, and (-0.97,-0.96,-0.89) for rice husk while Gmelina has r values of (-0.22,-0.19,-0.29) at 18, 20 and 22bar respectively. Mahogany and oil bean sawdust showed positive correlation with r values 0.84, 0.85, 0.92 for mahogany and 0.82, 0.65, 0.60 for oil bean at 18, 20 and 22bar respectively. However, increase in pressure increased the compression ratios of the five materials.