Thermal Analysis of Co-Utilization of Empty Fruit Bunch and Silantek Coal Under Inert Atmosphere Using Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)

Abstract

Agricultural residues have been traditionally used as energy resources for many years. In light of current environmental and fossil fuel supplies for energy applications, agricultural residues are regarded as sustainable supplies for energy production. However, the suitability to be renewable fuel and as a co-fuel in coal combustion facilities has to be investigated. A thermal analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of the blending and heating rate of the thermal behavior of Malaysian bituminous coal (Silantek), oil palm biomass (empty fruit bunch), and their blends using thermogravimetric analysis. The investigation was done in an inert atmosphere at the heating rate of 10, 20, and 40°C/min. Characteristics including proximate, ultimate, and calorific analyses were also examined. Six different mass ratios were selected from both samples to study the effect of blending of the two materials. The results showed that thermal degradation of empty fruit bunch (EFB) occurred in three stages while Silantek coal (SC) only involved two regions due to their different fuel properties. The blending of both SC/EFB did not follow their individual samples, which showed non-additive behavior suggesting that there is an interaction between coal and biomass. The outcome of this research provides insight on the behavior of Malaysian bituminous coal and oil palm biomass, which enhances knowledge for the future of energy generation.

Thermo-kinetic Study of Genetically Different Carbon-Source Materials

“…Considering the high fixed carbon and energy contents (higher heating valueHHV) of petcoke and coal samples, a synergistic effect of all these compounds can be utilized during the energy generation using the gasification process. Much research has been conducted to identify the synergy during gasification for petcoke, coal, and biomass samples. − Therefore, all the samples have the potential for pyrolysis and gasification if applied in a coprocessing mode subject to a detailed investigation.…”

“…It is clear from the data presented in Table that T max is highest for the petcoke sample and lowest for the biomass samples, similar to the other research findings highlighted in the introductory section and the detailed literature work of the Supporting Information. The high carbon content, low volatiles, and low inherent oxygen content make the petcoke sample difficult for pyrolysis, combustion, and gasification ,− compared to biomass samples.…”

“…Much research has been conducted to identify the synergy during gasification for petcoke, coal, and biomass samples. 29 − 31 Therefore, all the samples have the potential for pyrolysis and gasification if applied in a coprocessing mode subject to a detailed investigation.…”

Circular Economy Approaches in the Palm Oil Industry: Enhancing Profitability through Waste Reduction and Product Diversification

“…Typical POME characteristics include BOD values between 31,000 and 34,000 mg/L, COD values between 62,000 and 67,000 mg/L, suspended solids between 20,500 and 24,000 mg/L, and a typical pH range of 4.2 to 5.1 [47][48][49] (also see Table 2). Kernel shells and fiber, while potential sources of biomass energy, require proper technology and handling for efficient utilization [50][51][52]. Additionally, decanter cake and sludge, by-products of the oil extraction and clarification process, contain residual oil and solids, necessitating effective treatment strategies [53].…”