Research highlights on characterization of briquettes produced from Gmelina arborea sawdust and different binders

Background and Objective: Characterization refers to processes used to collect information on the qualities of a substance or product, such as briquettes. Briquettes are products of materials subjected to varying process conditions and properties and therefore require characterization. This study comparatively investigates the characteristics of briquettes produced from torrefied and fermented sawdust and three different binders in varying proportions. Materials and Methods: Gmelina arborea sawdust collected was sorted. Some samples were subjected to fermentation at different soaking times of 12, 24, 36 and 48 hrs, while others were to torrefaction at residence times of 30, 45 and 60 min, respectively. Each sawdust sample products were treated with used print office paper, newsprints and montmorillonite clay binders. The physical, chemical, mechanical and combustion characteristics of each product were evaluated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α_0.05. Results: The physical characteristics of untreated sawdust determined are similar to those reported in literature as suitable for quality briquette production. The most significant physical changes observed in the pretreated samples were colour and weight changes with significant changes observed in torrefied sawdust dependent on the severity (duration) of torrefaction. Quality characteristics of torrefied sawdust were evaluated by percentage weight loss, mass yield and energy yield. Weight loss and mass yields decreased with an increase in torrefaction time, while the energy yield increased with an increase in torrefaction time. Torrefied briquettes had least thermal efficiencies, but possessed higher thermal energies and required less quantity to boil water. The mean Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) does not significantly differ, but variations noticed are due to an increase in binder proportions, torrefaction time and fermentation time. The consumption rate FCR significantly influenced the optimization of stove performance. Conclusion: Binder proportions, binder type and torrefaction had a significant effect on the performance characteristics of briquettes produced. Fermentation methods used have no significant effects on the performance characteristics of briquettes produced.