E-COAL: RICE HUSKS AS A MAIN COMPONENT FOR PROCESSED

CHARCOAL BIO-BRIQUETTES
The main agricultural commodity in the Philippines is rice. Rice husk, which is the
hard protective coating of the rice seed and a byproduct of rice milling, is the
outermost component of the rice seed. Rice husk contains biomass that can be
exploited for a wide range of purposes, including energy sources or fuel.
However, only a limited number of people use it because it is deemed as waste
and an underutilized resources. One of the alternative renewable energy
potential to be developed is based on rice husk biomass charcoal as a waste
from rice production.    Once the primary components of the product have been
used, the waste is essentially a residual material with low economic value. The
rice husk can be economically more lucrative and beneficial to environment when
it is transformed from a residual material into charcoal bio-briquettes.
Additionally, rice husks have a moisture content of about 14–15%, making it
possible to utilize them as an alternative fuel by turning them into charcoal bio-
briquettes.
The predominant reason why utilization of rice husk as an alternative fuel by
making it as a charcoal bio-briquette is eco-friendly. The Philippines is a country
whose economy is centred on agricultural production, hence crop residues like
rice husk are extremely abundant. Given their increased moisture content and
lesser density, the preponderance of agro-residues, including rice husks, are
technically inappropriate for direct use due to combustion and handling issues. In
addition, rice husk is a biomass comprised of lignocellulose, a type of carbon
polymer composed primarily of three main parts: cellulose, hemicellulose, and
lignin. Carbonization is the process required to turn rice husk into fuel. The water
content will be eliminated and evaporated during the carbonization process, and
the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin will be broken down, leaving carbon in the
form of charcoal as a raw material for bio-briquette production. Solving such
problems entails turning biomass wastes like rice husks into charcoal bio-
briquettes. Thus, it contributes to long-term sustainable socio-political stability in
addition to environmental and economic sustainability.
Air pollution is a global issue that has been exacerbated by the use of fossil fuels
for energy. Coal combustion for energy production is currently identified as one
of the major polluters. The continued use of coal causes climate change, health
risks to living organisms, and environmental damage. Increased energy demand
has a negative impact on global warming, particularly in industries. As a result,
there is a need to develop green sources that can reduce toxic emissions. There
is a need to introduce more carbon-neutral fuels, such as biomass. Today,
biomass is the only energy source with sufficient carbon reserves to replace coal.
Because of its renewable nature, biomass is carbon neutral and thus provides
significant environmental benefits. Renewable biomass briquettes made from
forestry and agricultural residues are one possible solution because they emit
few greenhouse gases. In addition, when briquettes are burned, a small amount
of fly ash is produced. Because sulfur is not present, heat recovery is possible
before the exhaust is released into the atmosphere.
The creation of rice husk charcoal bio-briquettes involved the addition of an
adhesive or binding agent in a certain quantity. Cassava starch has a high
calorific value and has been used as an adhesive for quick burning. Using a
pressure moulding tool, the combined material is then moulded into rice husk
charcoal bio-briquettes, which are then allowed to cure in the sun until they are
completely dry. The calorific value and the variables influencing the quality of the
resulting bio-briquettes were determined by characterization processes. This
study is focused in production of rice husk based charcoal bio- briquettes. This
study is anticipated to provide an alternate method for turning waste materials
into products that are valued and useful for raising a society's economic value.
Statement of the Problem
The main purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of rice husks
as a main component for processed charcoal bio-briquettes. Specifically, it aimed
the following research problems:
1. What rice husks charcoal bio-briquettes has the best quality in terms of:
1.1 Determination of bulk density test;
1.2 Compression test; and
1.3 Combustion test?
2. What treatment will produce the most efficient rice husks charcoal bio-
briquettes in terms of:
2.1 Determination of bulk density test;
2.2 Compression test; and
2.3 Combustion test?
3. Is there any significant difference between the amount of rice husks and
efficacy of rice husks charcoal bio-briquettes in terms of:
3.1 Determination of bulk density test;
3.2 Compression test; and
3.3 Combustion test?
Significance of the Study
The following industries gain from of rice husks charcoal bio-briquettes
production:
* To local producers of charcoal briquettes, to boost small-scale marketing and
provide an alternative source of income for their constituents.
*To the bbq sellers, to provide a quality charcoal briquettes made from rice husks
which is more efficient to utilized, burn longer, easier to ignite, produce intense
heat, and with very little smoke
*To upcoming researchers who might discover answers to this study that will aid
them in doing their own research.
Methodology
1. PREPARATION OF MATERIALS
2. PRODUCTION OF CHARCOAL BIO-BRIQUETTING PROCESS
3. MOLDING OF CHARCOAL BIO-BRIQUETTING PROCESS
4. CHARACTERIZATION METHODS
4.1. Determination of bulk density
Density is an important property of the solid fuel.
4.2 Compression test
The compressive strength is a criterion of briquette durability
4.3 Combustion test
Burning Capability