Production of briquette fuel using wastewater sludge and banana peel waste

Abstract

© 2017, Khon Kaen University,Research and Technology Transfer Affairs Division. All rights reserved. The objective of this study was to examine the production of briquette fuel using wastewater sludge and banana peel waste. Briquette fuel produced from wastewater sludge mixed with banana peel waste at various ratios by weight was studied. Performance indicators include moisture content, ash content, volatile matter content, fixed carbon content, total sulfur content, and heating value. The assessment also determined the most appropriate ratio of waste water sludge to banana peel in briquette fuel, as well as the economic value of the fuel. The ratios of wastewater sludge to banana peel selected for the test were 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30. It was found that all ratios for the briquette fuel have significantly different compressive strength, ash content, and amounts of volatile matter. The density at the ratio of 70:30 was significantly higher than those at 90:10 and 80:20. Fixed carbon content at the ratio of 90:10 was significantly lower than those at 80:20 and 70:30. The heating value at the ratio of 70:30 was significantly higher than that at 90:10. No significant differences were observed in terms of moisture content or total sulfur in the briquette fuel. The heating value of the briquette fuel was still lower than the standard value. Economic value analysis revealed that a price of 1 baht/briquette (29 baht/kg) had a break-even point of 223,024 briquettes, and a payback period of 4.58 years. It is, thus, suggested that the appropriate ratio used in briquette fuel production should be 70:30 based on optimal heating value, fixed carbon content, volatile matter content, and moisture content.