Effect of different pre-treatment on briquetting and combustion properties of empty fruit bunches (EFB)/rice husk (RH) composite briquette

Abstract

Utilization of agro-waste material in producing biomass briquette has been actively explored due to its huge potential as an alternative option to current energy resources. In addition, development of biomass briquette also solved agricultural waste disposal issues. Biomass briquette is widely utilized for domestic and industrial purposes such as cooking, heating and electricity generation. This study was conducted to access the effect of different pre-treatment (torrefaction and soaking) and combusion properties of the biomass composite briquette which was produced by combining two agro-waste materials which are empty fruit bunch (EFB) and rice husk (RH). The composite briquette was densified at constant and controlled temperature by varying the particle size and ratio. The particle size used were 75(So(Bm, 150 (So(Bm and 300 (So(Bm and then these particles were blended in various composition of empty fruit bunch (EFB) and rice husk (RH) in percentage ratio composition of 100:0, 70:30 and 50:50, respectively. The combustion performances of composite briquette was assessed by evaluating their density, volatile matter, ignition time, afterglow time, and burning rate. Result showed the composition of EFB and RH, 50:50 of mixing ratio with the particle size of 75 (So(Bm as the optimal combination for torrefaction pre-treatment , while composition of EFB and RH, 50:50 of mixing ratio with the particle size of 150 (So(Bm as the optimal combination for soaking pre-treatment.