Calorific Value and Carbon Content of EFB Torrefied under Nitrogen, Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Atmospheres

Abstract

Oil palm biomass residues in Southeast Asia, which are underutilized, can be converted into solid fuel if they are torrefied. In this case, flue gas in palm oil mills may be economical gas and thermal energy sources of torrefaction. This study aims to investigate the effects of oxygen (0, 9, 15 and 21 vol%) and carbon dioxide (0, 9, 15 and 21 vol%) in torrefaction gas towards torrefaction behavior of EFB, in specific calorific value and carbon content, the representative indices for solid fuel. The torrefaction temperature and time ranged 493-573 K and 30-90 min, respectively. In general, existence of oxygen resulted in higher carbon content, and thus higher calorific value. On the other hand, existence of carbon dioxide did not exhibit such an enhancement effect except for 30 min torrefaction of at the highest temperature of 573 K.