Thermal and Physical Characteristics of Fuel Pellets from Para-Rubber Leaf Litter

Abstract

Abstract-This study is to propose the thermo-physical properties of fuel pellets made from para-rubber leaf litter. The pararubber leaf litter from local plantation was collected, cleaned, dried and grinded to below 2 mm. The grinded raw material made to solid fuel pellet by a single unit pelletizer under difference condition of compressive pressure. Then pellets were analyzed the combustion behavior by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, the strength and L/D (length to diameter) ratio are also investigated. The results show that, the highest compressive strength was received at 300 psi of compaction pressure. The highest mass loss rate was obtained from 400 psi of compaction pressure at 327 o C,which lower than other compaction pressure conditions. Therefore, having higher compaction pressure provided easier ignition. The compaction pressure of 350 psi is provided highest burnout temperature with also highest amount of residue char for 705 o C and 9.57%, respectively. It can be concluded from the results of this study that the para-rubber leaf litter is suitable material for pelletization.