Physical and Combustion Indices of Thermally Treated Cornhusk and Sawdust Briquettes for Heating Applications in Nigeria
Opeyemi A. Akogun, M.A. Waheed, Salami Olasunkanmi Ismaila, O. U. Dairo
Abstract
This study focuses on the physical and combustion indices of briquettes produced from thermally treated cornhusk (CH) and sawdust (SD) through torrefaction. The raw and torrefied feedstocks were combined at different blending ratios and then preconditioned with 10% moisture content. The highest value of density, shatter index, and compressive strength was obtained at 90/10 (CH/SD) ratio. The calorific value and fixed carbon of the torrefied briquettes increased between 37.56–42.42% and 42.90–49.75% over the raw briquettes while the volatile matter decreased by 26.88–38.57%. Moreover, the combustion indices show the briquettes from these feedstock blends are suitable to replace coal. Briquettes from torrefied cornhusk and sawdust could serve as an alternative fuel for domestic and industrial heating applications in Nigeria.