Optimum Parameters for the Formulation of Charcoal Briquettes Using Bagasse and Clay as Binder

Abstract
Kenya generates about 1.6 million tones of sugarcane bagasse which has enormous
potential for exploitation in modern commercial applications. Due to rising fossil
fuel prices, availability in large quantity and rapidly growing interest in bio-energy
as well as technological advances and environmental concerns , bagasse could be
utilized for the formulation of charcoal briquettes for household use to
supplement wood charcoal. In this study briquettes were formulated using
carbonized bagasse, clay as a binder and molasses as a filler. Bagasse was obtained
from sugar factories for carbonization. Carbonization was carried out using a
brick-built kiln while blending used a manually operated drum mixer. A piston type
briquetting press fitted onto a universal strength testing machine was used for the
production of briquettes. The most optimum parameters that produced briquettes
which complied to current charcoal specifications for household use were in the
ratio of 1:1:40 for molasses, clay and carbonized bagasse respectively at
0.50N/mm2 pressure. At this formulation, briquettes were produced whose ash
content, volatile matter and calorific energy were 36.4%, 27.2% and 4.390 Kca/g
respectively. The briquettes produced burnt without sparks and were smokeless,
producing no irritating smell. They ignited easily and took relatively long before
they extinguished. They were recommended for household use in Kenya.