Analysis of Dimensions and Pressure Effects in the Production of Bio-pellets from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFBs)
Luthfia Fahira1, Sri Suhartini2,5, Nimas Mayang Sabrina Sunyoto2, Novita Ainur Rohma1,5, Rizki Putra Samudra3,5, Andhika Putra Agus Pratama4,5, Wafa Nida Faida Azra3,5, Bambang Susilo5,6

Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
2 Department of Agro-industrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
3 Postgraduate student, Department of Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
4 Postgraduate student, Department of Agro-industrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
5 Centre of Excellence in Bioenergy and Biorefinery, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
6 Department of Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia

Abstract

The urgent need for an alternative to coal has led to interest in Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFBs) bio-pellets. OPEFBs, rich in lignocellulose, offers promise as a renewable energy source. However, its high ash content poses challenges, causing scaling and corrosion in boilers. Researchers explored solutions, including zeolite and NaOH additives, while varying pressing pressure, length, and diameter of the bio-pellets. This study evaluated 12 treatment combinations, considering factors like bio-pellet length (L), pressure (P), and diameter (D). Results revealed that pressure and diameter significantly influenced volatile matter content, fixed carbon content, combustion rate, compressive strength, and density. Higher pressure improved fixed carbon content and density but reduced volatile matter content. Larger diameter enhanced density and compressive strength. The optimal treatment (P1L1D3) involved 20 MPa pressure, 10 mm length, and 10 mm diameter. The conclusion of this study is that the quality of bio-pellets can be improved with the right combination of pressure and bio-pellets dimensions. Further research can be conducted on a larger scale to increase the production of OPEFBs bio-pellets by considering these three factors.

Keywords: Bio-pellets, OPEFBs, Zeolite, NaOH

Topic: Renewable energy and biorefinery