Development of a Dryer with a Reduced Industrial Emission to the Environment Using Sawdust Briquette

Abstract

A locally made dryer was developed to curb industrial emission that pollutes the environment by using sawdust briquette. Other sources of fuel like electricity and gas are relatively expensive while other form of biomass especially charcoal which is gotten from falling of trees emits high carbon dioxide and visible smoke unlike sawdust which is readily gotten as a by-product of woodworking operation. The sawdust was carbonized and compressed to give briquette which is very efficient in combustion and does not emit smoke. The materials were carefully selected and includes mild steel and stainless steel. Stainless steel was used for the drying trays for health reasons because of its high resistance to corrosion which if not properly checked can lead to food contamination. The dryer has a capacity of 5 kg per batch. The efficiency in generating heat from briquette is 61.4%. The dryer efficiency based on heat input and output is 70%.