Efficacy of Sewage Sludge Briquettes Mixed with Sugarcane Bagasse as a Fuel Alternative

Abstract

This research aimed to study the efficacy of briquettes derived from sewage sludge mixed with bagasse as a fuel alternative. Sludge is a significant waste from the process of wastewater treatment, whose disposal has become a significant challenge. Another biomass waste facing a disposal challenge is bagasse, which is a waste product produced in the manufacture of sugar. Sustainable solutions to the problems of improper sludge and bagasse disposal, adverse deforestation for charcoal and wood provision and low fuel in the country should be addressed adequately to reduce the adverse effects on the environment. Therefore, characterization and determination of efficacy of sludge derived fuel briquettes will be vital. Sewage sludge was mixed with sugarcane bagasse in the ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 3:2. The briquettes were then prepared using a briquetting machine into standard sizes of 3cm both in diameter and in height. Fuel briquettes properties as calorific value, ash content, moisture content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and shattering index were then determined. From the research, the ratio of 1:1 gave the highest calorific value of 2965.68 cal/g. It had an ash content of 11.846%, moisture content of 4.702%, fixed carbon of 53.024%, volatile matter of 30.788%, and a shattering index of 18.966%. Therefore, more research and development is required to improve the quality and performance of the briquettes. The addition of sugarcane bagasse to sewage sludge improved the calorific value of the sludge hence making them an efficient source of fuel. Therefore, the briquettes can be used as a fuel alternative, which will be a long-term solution to sludge disposal problem, environmental pollution, and high levels of deforestation in Kenya.