Comparative Analysis of Briquettes Burning Efficiency and Characteristics of Coal (Briquette), Rice Husk & Coal (Briquette) and Maize Cob, Rice Husk & Coal (Briquette)

Maize cob, rice husk and coal (agricultural waste) were collected, grounded and sieved thoroughly and mixed with Arabic Gum (binding agent) and water in different composition and compressed into cylindrically shaped briquettes then sun dried.Based on the composition used in this research work, the briquettes produced were classified as: Pure briquettes and mixed briquettes. Pure briquettes are briquettes produced with pure agricultural waste (100% composition) i.e pure Coal briquette and pure Rice husk briquette. These was represented as briquettes A and B respectively. Mixed briquettes were produced by mixing together two or more agricultural waste (50-50% composition) i.e mixed rice husk and maize cob; mixed maize cob, rice husk and coal; briquettes respectively. These were represented as briquettes C and D respectively.Tests were carried out on the briquettes A, B C and D respectively to determine their efficiency based on boiling duration.The results showed that 5 minutes, 6.5 minutes were taken to boil (98.5֠  oC) 0.5 litres of water with briquettes A and D with no soot deposit on the pot, compared with briquettes B and C which boil 0.5 litres of water after 7minutes and 7.5 minutes with soot deposit on the pot. It was concluded that the Coal briquette; Rice husk, maize cob& Coal briquettes were efficient solid fuels for domestic cooking and heating and are environmentally friendly.

Keywords:- Agricultural waste, Arabic gum, Briquettes,Smoke and Flames.