An Experimental Study on Biomass Fuel Briquettes’ Quality as a Product of Waste Conversion in Nekede, Owerri, Nigeria

This study investigated the quality of biomass fuel briquettes; a Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) made from bio-wastes generated local farm produce market in Nekede, Owerri, Nigeria, known as Umuokomoche daily market. The wastes were mainly waste groceries; vegetable stems, leaves, fruits, plantain peels and yam potato peels, corn hob all sorts discarded food / agro materials which constitute over 70% total Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) by community. involved design, fabrication installation piston-type, hydraulic powered pedal operated Biomass Briquetting Machine. briquettes produced tested, order to ascertain their Fuels (RDF). initially gathered, sun dried carbonized through pyrolysis kiln. biochar was then crushed mixed with 20% starch bond finally fed machine feedstock. products (briquettes) recorded satisfactory combustion outcomes when tested. preliminary results showed calorific value 4900Kcal/Kg is adequate reliable alternative energy source for domestic industrial applications. Other parameters tested are; fixed carbon at 32%, Volatile matter 44%, Moisture 5% are Ash content 5.02%. A bulk density 580 kg/m3 Compressive ratio 1:2.5 also recorded. Both confirm handling ability ease transportation briquettes. Therefore good an