Laboratory controlled quantitative information about reduction in air pollution using the "Basa njengo Magogo" methodology and applicability to low-smoke fuels

Abstract

The Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) piloted the top-down Basa njengo Magogo fire ignition method at Orange Farm during the winter in 2003. In total, 76 per cent of households reported less smoke in their homes, 67 percent reported less smoke in the streets after one month, and 99 per cent of households reported a saving of R26 per week whilst using this method compared with the conventional method. To support the findings of these largely qualitative studies, CSIR were appointed by DME to conduct an experiment under controlled laboratory conditions to gather quantitative data on the reduction in particulate emissions associated with the Basa njengo Magogo method of lighting coal fires. CSIR was further contracted to assess whether the Basa njengo Magogo technology was viable with low-smoke fuels such as devolatilised coal.