PRODUCTION OF FUEL BRIQUETTES FROM SHEA NUT SHELLS AND MILLET STALK

Abstract

In an effort to provide an affordable firewood alternative source of fuel to the rural households in Nigeria, this study was carried out to produce some biomass briquettes (Shea nut shells and millet stalk) prepared using a briquetting machine (Extruding machine). The proximate analysis of the raw samples and briquettes biomass were determined. Different samples of briquettes were produced by blending varying ratios of Shea nut shells and millet stalk of 100:0, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, using starch as adhesive. The results of the briquettes tested was found to have moisture content for Shea nut shell and Millet stalk 2.5% and 3.0%, ash content 2.5% and 4.5% and volatile of 16.0% and 11.0%. A test on physical parameters like ignition time, combustibility test and afterglow time were determined and it was observed that ignition time increases with high volatile matter and with high percentage of ash and moisture content it ignites slowly. Water boiling test was also performed to compare between butane gas and fuel briquettes, it was observed that both butane gas and briquettes took the same time to boil 2litre of water (18 minutes).