Solid fuel characterization of torrefied coconut shells in an oxidative environment

Abstract

Torrefaction is a thermo-chemical treatment to address problems in use of biomass as a fuel especially for combustion; it is usually done between 200-300 °C in an inert or low oxygen environment. This study investigated the properties of local Coconut Shell chips that were torrefied using a batch reactor in an oxidative environment at torrefaction temperatures of 250°C and 300°C, and torrefaction time of 30 minutes and 60 minutes. Analysis of solid products included Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Proximate Analysis, Higher Heating Value (HHV) determination, and Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC). Overall, the results in the solid product showed changes in composition and on the thermal degradation curve; also improvement of fuel properties in terms of HHV, Fixed Carbon Content, and EMC. Among the settings, the 300 °C and 30 minutes setting is recommended with significant improvement of the solid fuel.