Abstract
The by-product of palm oil production with the greatest potential for usage as biomass is Palm Kernel Shells (PKS). However, their low energy-density, poor utilization and improper disposal causes loss of valuable energy resource and environmental problems. Thus, the purpose of this study is to convert PKS into briquettes in order to enhance its use as fuel. The PKS samples A (from locally grown palm fruits) and B (from improved variety palm fruits), were locally sourced and converted into briquettes, utilizing starch as binder, in 25%, 30%, and 35% ratios, to determine the most suitable binding mixture ratio for briquette production. The fuel characteristics of the PKS briquettes were evaluated using a laboratory experiment comprising of proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, and water boil test. The results show that PKS samples A and B mixed with 25% starch composition in briquettes offered the best proximate test values, elemental compositions, calorific values and combustion test values. These samples had equivalent calorific values of 19.53 MJ/kg and 18.72 MJ/kg, respectively, which are within the ASTM standard range for briquettes. The samples A and B briquettes had specific fuel consumption and burning rates of 10.2 g/ml and 2.87 g/min and 12.05 g/ml and 3.15 g/min, respectively, during the water boil test. Thus, using sample A briquette for heating and cooking will require less fuel. This study suggested possibilities in support of briquetting PKS improves its energy efficiency and utilization as well as reduces waste-related environmental pollution and the energy problem in most developing nations.

Key words: Biomass, Palm kernel shell, Briquettes, Energy, Combustion