Estimation of Combustion Properties of Briquettes Produced from Palm Fruit Shell

Abstract

Agricultural residue briquettes can be used as a fuel for heating, cooking and other domestic and industrial applications. This article explored the potential of using palm fruit shells to make briquettes as an alternative fuel for both domestic and industrial use. This will significantly reduce the problem of deforestation and excessive dependence on fossil fuels and reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions generated by trees as a fuel for wood. Cassava starch was used in an amount of 100:15 by weight and the burning properties of the produced palm fruit briquettes were determined. The combustion characteristics of the palm fruit briquettes produced are 7.56% average moisture, 17.45% average volatiles, 6.68% average ash, 68.28% average bound carbon and 9717.74 kcal /kg of average calorific value. These results, compared with the literature, showed that briquettes made from palm husks have good combustion properties, which makes them suitable for domestic applications and small industries.