Effects of Compaction Pressure and Particle Size on the Fuel and Mechanical Properties of Agricultural Residue Briquettes: A Study from Southwestern Nigeria.
1*Ajibola K. A., 2Ojo O. I. and 2,3Ojediran J. O.
1,Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria
2Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
3 Vice Office, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria
DOI: 10.36108/laujoces/6202.61.0181
Abstract
The conversion of agricultural residues into bio-briquettes presents a promising pathway for clean energy in sub-Saharan Africa, where such materials are carelessly dumped causing environmental pollution and hazard, a consequence of underutilization. This study evaluates the impact of compaction pressure (5-25 MPa) and particle size (<1 mm to >2 mm) on the properties; density, calorific value, compressive strength, moisture, and ash content of binder-free briquettes from maize cobs, rice husks, and bagasse. Each of the samples of the farm residues was separately sorted, dried, milled, sieved to different grade sizes and pressed with high-pressure hydraulic machine. 135 samples of briquettes from the three residues were produced and tested via established analytical protocols. Maximum values were observed at the highest pressure and finest particle size: density up to 0.72 g/cm³, calorific value up to 18.9 MJ/kg, compressive strength over 25 MPa, with moisture and ash as low as 7.3% and 4.0%, respectively. ANOVA revealed compaction pressure and particle size had highly significant (p < .001) main effects on all measured properties. These results demonstrate that optimized agro-residue briquettes are a viable, sustainable alternative to wood and fossil fuels, supporting SDG 7 and 13.
Keywords: Agricultural Residue, Briquettes, Compaction Pressure, Particle Size, Calorific Value, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)