Dataset on the performance characteristics of briquettes from selected agricultural wastes using a piston-type briquetting machine

Abstract

Densification of agricultural wastes for briquette production has considerable potential to meet the growing energy demand and contribute towards a safe environment worldwide. The datasets contained in this paper are the performance characteristics of raw and torrefied briquettes produced from sawdust (SD), cassava peels (CP), cornhusk (CH), and their blends using a developed piston-type briquetting machine. The physicomechanical, chemical, structural, and combustion indices including the kinetic parameters, were determined using standard methods. The result obtained show that each briquettes sample has the infrared transmittance of C–H, OH, C–O, and C=C with the SD sample having the highest and CP, the lowest. The feedstock mixture and increase in torrefaction temperature enhance the physicomechanical properties of the briquettes through water preconditioning. The combustion characteristics show that the torrefied briquettes and their blends could be co-fired with coal, and are well suited for heating applications and reduce environmental pollution. The activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and R2 values of the briquettes ranged between 39.70–60.76 kJ/mol, 5.52–9.17 min−1, and 0.95–0.98, respectively. The data provided in this paper will therefore be useful for energy enthusiasts and coal engine design, and assist in choosing the appropriate briquette blends with increased calorific value for heating applications.