Preparation of Briquettes Using Biomass Combinations and Estimation of Its Calorific Value

An experimental research design was adopted to conduct the present investigation. For the present study six biomass materials namely Charcoal Dust, Saw dust Rice Husk, Dry Leaves, Wood Chips, Groundnut Shells and two binders namely Cow dung and Starch were identified. The commercially available briquetting machine of 5 horsepower motor was selected for making the briquettes. Subjective evaluation of physical properties of briquette i. e. texture, cohesiveness, moisture, shape, evenness of surface and appearance of surface was conducted by a panel of 6 judges comprising of staff and PhD graduate students of College of Home Science. The data obtained from the experimental tests was compiled, tabulated and statistically analyzed by mean and standard deviation. The data obtained from subjective evaluation was consolidated by averages, standard deviation. The calorific value of all prepared briquettes was measured by using bomb calorimeter. The results indicate that briquettes made from charcoal dust and other biomass materials with starch combinations were found to be best in physical characteristics with highest scores whereas briquettes made from charcoal dust other biomass materials with cow dung combinations were found to be highest in calorific value. The results show that when cow dung is used as binder with charcoal dust and other biomass materials, it was giving higher calorific value. The use of starch as binder with charcoal dust and other biomass materials was making briquettes smooth in texture, compact, dry, uniform, even without cracks and shiny.