Umbrella Tree (Terminalia cattapa linn) kernels as Potential Fuel Briquette

Abstract

The source of the household’s fuels is fossil fuel Production of fuel from organic sources could alleviate this dependency on fossil fuel. This study was conducted to determine how Umbrella tree seeds can be utilised beneficially. The kernel of the umbrella tree seeds was found to contain high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acid where according to an experimental study where the three main compounds in the high-acid oil-biodiesel. Umbrella Tree Seeds were pounded to obtain the kernels. The kernels were rounded and manually shaped into fuel briquettes, which were sundried for three days. The product was tested by using it to boil 200 ml water in a beaker. The heat Intensity and the odour of the smoke were observed. The briquettes were easy to ignite and the 200ml water ml water boiled within 15 minutes the odor of the smoke generated from burning briquettes is similar to the odor of burned firewood, which is acceptable. This study showed that briquettes from umbrella tree seed kernels have the potential to be utilised in the production of fuel briquettes. Further study should be conducted to determine the longevity of the generated heat and the possible commercialisation so that it could be used as a possible source of household fuel.