Comparison Moisture of Biopellet from Sugarcane Bagasse and Coconut Dregs as Raw Materials for Co-Firing Power Plant

Abstract

This study investigated the use of locally-grown sugarcane bagasse and coconut dregs as raw materials for producing biomass pellets, which can be burned in the coarse form to generate heat energy. The proximate properties, such as moisture content, of the fuel pellets produced from sugarcane bagasse and coconut dregs were analyzed to determine the performance of the pelletizer equipment used in producing the biomass pellets. Moisture content was measured to evaluate the fuel pellet properties of the bagasse and coconut biomass and to, determine their durability and optimize the performance of the pelletizer equipment. The ideal pelleting moisture values for sugarcane bagasse and coconut dregs were found to be under 10%. In general, the physical and chemical properties of coconut biomass pellets were within the recommended limits. However, the pellets exhibited a relatively high ash level compared to wood biomass.