Characterization and Evaluation of Energy Potential and Combustion Emissions of Tropical Wood Wastes at Sawmill Dumpsites

Authors: Aliu SA, Onochie UP, Adama KK, Erokare TE

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

Sawmill dumpsites are characterised by combustion of wood wastes which pollutes the environment. In this study, five tropical species of wood wastes were collected from sawmill dumpsites in Asaba Metropolis and used for experimental analysis. The samples were chopped into particle sizes of 0.3 to 0.5 micrometres and analysed in accordance to ASTM standards. The analyses include the calorific value (CV), proximate and ultimate analyses. Data generated from the analyses was used to evaluate the potential carbon iv oxide (CO₂) and sulphur iv oxide (SO₂) emissions. From the results, it was observed that the wood samples can be used for energy purposes due to high CV ranging from 30,516.81 kJ/kg to 30,738.38 kJ/kg. The proximate analysis showed low moisture content of 7.26% to 7.70%. The ash content ranged from 0.76% to 1.92%, The ultimate analysis showed high carbon content which validated the results of the calorific value. The SO2 level from the combustion analysis ranged from 0.08% to 0.10%. This result revealed that the wood samples can be used for boiler applications. The combustion evaluation analysis showed that CO₂ emission to the atmosphere ranges from 18.87% to 23.60% for dry basis analysis. These results revealed that wood waste is still preferable than burning fossil fuel because CO₂ emissions from wood waste is offset by growing trees.

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