Influence of physico-chemical parameters on fuel briquettes properties formulated with mixture of biomasses,

The understanding of compositional characteristics permits to predict the efficient thermal conversion technologies and Higher Heating Value (HHV). Although HHV can be determined directly, many models have been proposed for HHV prediction. They are based on proximate, ultimate, and structural analysis and require much data collected. The present work assesses to predict efficient thermal conversion technologies and HHV of the most abundant agricultural biomass from Cameroon, namely cassava peelings, plantain peelings, and corn cobs, by using the existing models and exploring the calculation of HHV from the formula. The results show that investigated biomasses can be efficiently used in thermochemical conversion to produce bio-oil/syngas, in the biochemical process to produce bioethanol/biogas, and in the physical process to densify feedstock into fuel briquette. Flue gas reveals a value less than the toxic values fixed by the European standard for household waste incineration and can therefore be used as an environmentally friendly bioenergy source. Nevertheless, the levels of S and N could be taken into account in the design of a gasification plant to control the emission of NO2 and SOx-derived pollutants as their value is more than the limit fixed. Amongst the existing models, the model based on ultimate analysis gives the best correlation. The Average Absolute Error (AAE) is ranging from 2.47 to 10.71%. The calculation of HHV from combustion enthalpy and the formulae of cassava peelings, plantain peelings, and corn cob are C5H4O2, C5H8O4, and C3H4O2 respectively. The HHV derived from them is 16.13, 16.27, and 20.02 MJ/kg for cassava peelings, plantain peelings, and corn cob respectively. The AAE lies within 2.52 and 8.08%. These values are lower than those obtained from the literature models. These AAE varies between 4 and 10%. The AAE of the twenty biomasses from the literature ranges from 0.16 to 10.96%.

No abstract

The treatment of slaughterhouse effluents is a problem for our municipalities and residents. The objective of this work is to contribute to the protection of the environment through a test treatment of the effluent from the slaughterhouse of cows by adsorption on adsorbents made from sawdust. To achieve this, two adsorbents were produced based on sawdust of Ayous (Triplochiton scleroxilon) and Iroko (Milicia excelsa), and were characterized. The effluent was sampled in a Ngaoundéré slaughterhouse and then characterized in its turn. Finally, discolouration tests by adsorption of this effluent were carried out. At the end of this work, it appears that both adsorbents produced had an acidic character. They are micro and macroporous with specific surface areas from 14.77 m2/g to 69.56 m2/g for Iroko and Ayous, respectively. The effluent from the slaughterhouse of cows sampled in the city of Ngaoundéré is highly conductive and turbid with an organic matter evaluated at 4.15 ± 0.18%. The adsorbent based on sawdust of Ayous is more effective, globally allowed the reduction of more than 70% of all the organic and inorganic loads of the slaughterhouse effluent after treatment. A discolouration rate estimated at more than 90% obtained at the scale of the laboratory, these adsorbents are effective for the treatment of the slaughterhouse effluents. These two adsorbents can therefore be used for the treatment of slaughterhouse effluent in any country in the world.

No abstract