Torrefaction’s Optimization of Multiple Responses Analysis on Torrefied Biochar from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

Abstract

In this study, biomass resource is chosen as a renewable energy source based on the abundance of oil palm waste generated monthly. The aim of this study is to find an optimal value of torrefection process on the torrefied biochar from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) in order to produce biomass energy source by using the Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM). The OPEFB has been torrefied based on the three independent variables which are particle size (250, 500 and 750µm), holding temperature (200, 250 and 300°C) and residence time (30, 60 and 90 minutes). Torrefied biochar are being optimized in regards of six dependent variables which are mass yield, moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon and calorific value. The optimization process from the RSM shows that the most optimal value for OPEFB torrefied biochar is at 750µm (particle size), 274°C (holding temperature) and 90 minutes (residence time) of torrefaction process in order to produce a high energy content of biomass.

The Prospect of Biochar by Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) in the Removal of Contaminants Emerging Concern (CECs)

“…A study has been made by Amin et al [3,4] shows that CECs are susceptible to poor removal during the conventional wastewater treatment process which has been often detected in the wastewater treatment plant. Undoubtedly that the discharge of effluent treatment by the wastewater treatment plant will make groundwater, watershed and river contaminate as well as the drinking water that has been reported in numerous water samples all over the globe [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

“…Nowadays, the latest scientific research focuses on the strategies to reduce CECs effluent based on the advanced and conventional treatment processes [5]. The usage of biochar that acts as an adsorbent is one of the brilliant alternatives for removing the CECs in wastewater due to its porous structure, surface functional groups and large specific surface area [6,11,12].…”

“…According to Amin et al [4], the activation of biochar using physical and chemical methods can increase the specific surface area and pore volume which assuredly increases its adsorption capacity. Agriculture wastes like animal waste, plant residues, and plant waste are the common and well-known waste to produce the biochar [4][5][6]. According to Rasat et al [5], the characteristic of biochar depends on the pyrolysis process and the raw materials used.…”

“…Agriculture wastes like animal waste, plant residues, and plant waste are the common and well-known waste to produce the biochar [4][5][6]. According to Rasat et al [5], the characteristic of biochar depends on the pyrolysis process and the raw materials used. According to Amin et al [1,2,3,4,10], among other methods mentioned earlier, adsorption is the most auspicious and low-cost technique prior to its scalable processability, high efficiency, and ease of operation.…”

“…The OPEFB waste is seen as a promising material that can be used in CEC removal as well as can reduce agricultural waste. By undergoing a torrefaction process to produce the biochar, it can reduce environmental issues like global warming and climate change [5]. The prospective use of OPEFB biochar in naproxen removal is analysed in this study.…”