Review on Densification of Palm Residues as a Technique for Biomass Energy Utilization

Abstract

Due to the tremendous amount of palm biomass residues produced during the palm oil extraction from fresh fruit bunch (FFB), it is inevitable to harness these biomass energy sources to cope with the depletion of fossil fuels and increase in global energy demand scenarios. Densification is one of the favourable techniques to improve the storage and transportation of biomass fuels in order to prevent dumped areas adjacent to palm mills and to prevent from becoming another waste product. This article reviews comprehensively on how type of palm biomass, compaction pressure and temperature, binder, pre- and post-treatments affect the physical and combustion properties of the palm biomass briquettes produced. Based on the previous researches, generally it can be said that the type of palm biomass, the compaction pressure and temperature, and type of binder affect both the physical and combustion performance of densified palm biomass. However, the effect of particle size could be observed only on the physical characteristics of densified products, whereas the effect on the combustion properties remains unclear. In addition, treatments such as pyrolysis, dry and wet torrefaction (hydrothermal treatment), and steam explosion have potential to be applied during briquette production in order to improve the combustion properties. In this review article, it is also suggested that the combination of densification and followed by wet torrefaction will enhance the combustion properties of palm biomass briquettes.

Empirical Studies on Biomass Briquette Production: A Literature Review

“…For low moisture biomass, rising temperatures can harden the briquettes and make them denser [61]. In biomass briquettes produced under high temperatures (150-250 • C), there is also an increase in the properties of calorific value, volatile matter, density, water-resistance and relaxation rate of solid fuel [16,62].…”

“…After the densification of raw material into solid fuel, it is important to know its thermal and energetic characteristics through parameters, such as high heating value and ash content [53]. With the same importance, the physical characteristics can determine the durability and resistance of the densified material through the knowledge of its density, durability, resistance to compression and resistance to water [16]. As previously mentioned, these parameters can vary according to several factors, including the production process, type of raw material used, process temperature and pressure [16].…”

“…Works, such as Kpalo et al [15] carried out bibliographic surveys to assess the economic and technical viability of the production of briquettes, and for that, it was necessary to review the types of biomass used, the types of briquetting equipment, the skills of human resources and the investment capital. Other review work, such as that of Faizal, Rahman and Latiff [16] and Tumuluru et al [17] also emphasized the machines used to produce briquettes and some production variables, since these affect the physical and energetic characteristics of the briquettes. Dinesha et al [18] provided a comprehensive review on transforming agro and industrial biomass residues into briquettes as alternative fuels.…”

Effect of heating temperature on quality of bio-briquette empty fruit bunch fiber

“…Figure 3b shows the dimension of a mold in cylinder shape; 100 mm length, 40 mm diameter, and producing 5 cm high briquettes, with heating systems using the Arduino UNO programs and thermal controller. Briquette volume is determined by the formula [2,13].…”

“…moisture and ash content, and calorific value. Burning rate was discussed in certain sections [6]. One of the agricultural products which is traded in the domestic market as well as exported is palm oil.…”