Energy Properties and Fuel Potentials of Mbeya Rice Husk as Source of Energy
Loading...
Date
2021-10-28
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mbeya University of Science and Technology Journal of Research and Development
Abstract
Rice husk is an agricultural waste generated in massive quantities from
rice-processing units worldwide. With no valuable use, it is a waste
material that creates environmental and disposal problems. However,
the rice husks can be used as alternative fuel in industrial sectors;
building and construction industry; animal fodder; and fertilizer. Rice
husk can be converted into biofuels using different treatment and
production methods such as: thermochemical conversion, biochemical
conversion and chemical treatment. The study evaluated the possibilities
of using rice husks as an alternative source of energy for commercial and
domestic applications such as in cement production processes and for
public institutions in Mbeya City. Therefore, the study investigated the
energy potential and the fuel properties of rice husks widely disposed at
Mwanjelwa and Mbalizi milling machines. Different samples of rice
husks originating from Mbeya have been analysed related to their
energy content values. Sampling of the rice husks was done according to
EN 14778 and ensured proper conditions whereby only dry husks were
considered from milling machines outlets. The samples were then packed
in plastic bags. The following analyses were carried out: Water content,
ash content, lower and higher calorific value, elementary components
and other organic compounds. Thus, the organic matter assessed here
contains roughly 36% carbon, 4% hydrogen and 32 % oxygen.
Additionally, the rice residues contain 0.6 % Nitrogen, 0.2 % Sulphur and
0.1 % Chlorine. Furthermore, the rice husk from Mbeya City has lower
calorific value ranging from 13.40MJ/kgdb to14.34 MJ/kgdb which
indicates that they are suitable for various thermal applications.
Therefore, results indicated that rice husks from Mbeya City has the
potential to replace firewood and charcoal for cooking in public
institutions, hence minimizing environmental challenges. Also, it could
partially replace coal at Mbeya Cement Rotary Kiln System hence
improving energy use and CO2 emissions to environment
Description
This Article was Published by Mbeya University of Science and Technology Journal of Research and Development in 2021.