Vol. 12, Special Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
P Vijayakumary, D Ramesh, J Gitanjali, M Sivaprakash and SA Ramjani

Abstract:
This paper presents the potential of bamboo wastes viz., bamboo stalks, sheaths and leaves as a feedstock for high-energy content briquette production. The calorific value of bamboo stalks, sheaths and leaves was found as 4660, 4100 and 3680 kCal/kg respectively. The volatile content of bamboo wastes was found in the range of 72.5 to 79%. Bamboo wastes were briquetted with sawdust and their properties were studied to determine the best blend of bamboo wastes and sawdust. Bamboo wastes blended with sawdust in a 50:50 ratio yielded good quality briquettes with a bulk density of 705 kg/m³ and a calorific value of 4372 kCal/kg. The volatile, fixed carbon and ash content of the optimized briquettes were 77.05, 20.23 and 2.72% respectively. The impact resistance and compressive strength of optimized briquettes were found to be 95.43% and 7.2 kN respectively. These briquettes can be used as a replacement for wood or coal in boilers, furnaces and gasifiers in industries.