This month ATN began experimenting with an alternative fuel method that could possibly replace charcoal as a main fuel source. Research was done to find an appropriate press model and style of briquette that would be best for Rwanda. Three press models were made, all from local supplies.
First was a single lever that produced about 200 psi of pressure. It only cost about 2000 rwf to build. It didn’t provide as much pressure as needed but was easy to build, durable, light weight, and inexpensive. The second model used a double lever design, costs around 5000 rwf to build and generates about 400 psi of pressure. this press was less durable, uses hardware, is more expensive, and is harder to build, but it generated almost double the pressure of the single lever. This second model was used in production as a test and generated on average one small briquette per minute. While trying to produce additional briquettes at maximum pressure this press split in one of the lever arms. Because of this we saw the need to make another model of press. We used the same design but used wood that was double the thickness of the previous double lever press. The estimated cost of this press is 10,000 francs. It is more durable than the other designs and produced the best briquettes because of the greater pressure (an estimated three times the single lever design).
Additionally we looked at briquette design after having experimented with a pyrolyzed type made from tree branches as well as a non-pyrolyzed type made from sawdust and paper. We settled on the sawdust and paper model as it was more environmentally friendly and during this month have run burn tests on four different models.
Lastly, two trips were made to Musanze to meet with others making briquettes, Art of Conservation, and the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. On the second visit the press was tested and briquettes were made cooperatively. ATN promised to participate with them through future visits and a commitment to share learning and technology.
