Optimizing Aluminum Melting with Sustainable Biomass Fuels: A Case Study of Ulin (<i>Eusideroxylon zwageri</i>) Wood and Galam (<i>Melaleuca cajuputi</i>) Wood

Abstract

Wood waste biomass has emerged as an abundant source of alternative energy. This alternative energy source holds significant potential in the industrial sector, particularly in the field of metal casting. The development of aluminum melting equipment aims to provide invaluable support to aluminum craftsmen by harnessing wood waste as an easily accessible fuel source. The approach employed in this research involves the design of a wood waste combustion chamber capable of reaching the aluminum melting point. Two types of wood, Ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri) and Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi), were utilized in the study. The research achieved a temperature of 863°C in 28 minutes with Ulin wood, whereas with Gelam, a temperature of 821°C was reached in 29 minutes. This study makes a significant contribution to the efficient utilization of wood waste biomass in the aluminum casting industry, offering remarkable environmental and economic benefits.