Comparative Analysis of Calorific Value of Briquettes Produced From Sawdust Particles of Daniella oliveriand Afzelia africana Combination at Binary and Tertiary Levels with Rice Husk

Abstract

Comparative performance in calorific value was determined from the binary and tertiary combination of briquettes produced from biomass materials (sawdust) of Afzelia africana, Daniella oliveri and Rice husk at 20% 30%, and 40% starch binder levels. From the proximate analysis of the samples, it was observed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) between the densities, Percentage Ash content, Percentage Volatile matter and Percentage Fixed carbon of the samples. A progressive increase in heating value was observed among briquettes produced as the starch level increased. Briquettes produced at the tertiary combination of Afzelia africana + Daniella oliveri + Rice husk biomass recorded the highest heating value of 4827.20kcal/kg at 40% starch level while Daniella oliveri + Rice husk briquettes at binary level recorded the least heating value of 4586.72kcal/kg at 20% starch level. Among the various starch levels the tertiary combination had the least Ash content of 4.30% at 40% starch level while Daniella oliveri + Rice husk briquettes at 20% starch level had the highest Ash content of 9.29%. It is therefore recommended that 40% starch level be used for briquettes production at binary and tertiary combinations using Afzelia africana, Daniella oliveri and Rice husk biomass.

Key Words: Briquettes, Rice husk, Daniella oliveri, Afzelia Africana, starch