The Utilization of Cashew Shell Residues and Grease Waste for Charcoal Briquette Production

Abstract

This study aims to investigate appropriate utilization of mixing grease waste (GW) from a canteen’s grease trap with cashew shell charcoal (CSC) to produce briquette fuel by weight (GW: CSC) in the ratio 1:2, 2:2, 3:2 and 4:2. All different mixing ratios used starch paste as binding agent. The physical and chemical properties of briquette fuel were analyzed to verify its heating value components as specified by the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM). In addition, in terms of heat utilization efficiency and pollution aspects, the content of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from combustion were measured. The result of this study shows that the mixture of all components could produce charcoal briquette fuel. All the different mixing ratios have heating values exceeding the minimum requirement under the Thai Community Product Standard (tcps 238/2004). The high heating value ranged from 7724-8109 cal g^-1 on a dry basis. The heat utilization efficiency of briquette fuel was between 5.15-12.43 min. The charcoal briquette in 4:2 ratio had the least time of boiling at 5.15 min. In regard to air pollution aspect, the average concentration of CO emissions from briquette fuel were 151.6, 232.4, 210.5 and 292.5 ppm in the ratio 1:2, 2:2, 3:2 and 4:2, respectively. The heating value of briquette fuel was higher than the heating value of other briquette fuel reported in previous studies. Therefore, the cashew shell mixed with grease waste would make an viable alternative energy source for incinerators, that can also minimize waste.