Moderate Die-Pressure Banana-Peel Briquettes

Abstract

Based on the banana productivity and the residue-to-product-ratio, the estimated quantity of banana peel generated in Thailand was calculated. It was found that seven provinces were accounted for the computed value more than 12.5 kton/year. The effect of moderate die pressure and binder ratio less than 30% on banana peel briquettes was investigated. It was found that the density of the briquettes was strongly influenced by the briquetting pressure and the binder ratio. Moreover, a relationship between the density of briquettes, briquetting pressure and binder ratio over the studied range was developed and validated. The burning profile of the banana peel was also studied by using thermogravimetric method. It was found that the rapid mass loss section and the slow mass loss section were separated at the temperature of about 673 K. In addition, ultimate analysis and the heating value examination of banana peel were also conducted. Approximately, the material is comprised of 41.47% carbon, 5.68% hydrogen and 0.37% nitrogen respectively. The heating value of the banana peel was found to be 18.89 MJ/kg.