The Physical, Proximate and Ultimate Analysis of Rice Husk Briquettes Produced from a Vibratory Block Mould Briquetting Machine

Abstract

Briquettes play significant roles in the production of eco-friendly fuels and as substitutes for non-renewable sources of energy. But the selection of the right materials is essential for good briquette production.The selection of agro-wastes for domestic and industrial purposes depends on the proximate and ultimate compositions. In this study, investigations were carried out on the physical, proximate and ultimate analysis of rice husk briquette produced from a vibratory block mould briquetting machine fabricated by the Desfabeng Co. LTD. Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.The proximate and ultimate compositions of the briquettes were determined in accordance with ASTM analytical methods while the physical properties were determined by direct measurements and calculations. The results of the physical properties investigated were; Height of briquette (0.21m), diameter of briquette (0.08m), mass of briquette(1.10kg), volume of briquette(0.001mP3 P), maximum density(1,100kg/mP3 P), relaxed density(500kg/mP3 P), density ratio(0.45), relaxation ratio(2.2), colour(brown), texture(rough). The proximate analysis gave the following results; % volatile matter (68.20), % ash content (16.10), % moisture content (1 2.67), % Fixed carbon (15.70). With the aid of a Parr isoperibol bomb calorimeter, the heating value was found to be 15,175KJ/Kg. The ultimate analysis gave the result for % carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur content as 45.20, 5.80, 47.60, 1.02 and 0.21 respectively. From the results obtained it can be seen that briquettes produced from rice husk using the vibratory block mould briquetting machine would make good biomass fuels as it has a high % volatile matter and a low % ash content.