Abstract :
The demand for energy is increasing constantly with the increasing population of the world, and the major source of
energy (oil and gas) is limited. This, calls for sustainable energy production and supply such as renewable energy
technologies. In this study, a manually operated briquetting machine (a screw press) was designed and fabricated
using locally available materials to ensure the sustainability of production and use of briquettes which is a
renewable source of energy in Nigeria. The principal parts of the machine are the stirring, screw, compaction
chamber and frame. The machine is capable of producing four briquettes (measuring 5cm in length and 7cm in
diameter) at a time, as well as creates a central hole on them to aid combustion. The force and compaction pressure
of the machine was determined to be 205.80N and 13.4kPa respectively. Performance evaluation of the machine was
done by using it to produce maize stalk briquettes. Analysis of the briquettes produced proved the performance of
the machine satisfactory. It is hoped that the machine will be useful to small and medium scale briquette
manufacturers.
Keyword :
Briquettes, Screw Press, Fabrication