The effect of torrefaction on oil palm empty fruit bunch properties using microwave irradiation

Abstract

In this study, torrefaction via microwave irradiation was introduced towards oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) samples. The samples was fed into the alumina type crucible inside the microwave with the power input limit at 385W. Experimental was carried in non-oxidative atmosphere at 50 ml/min continous flow of nitrogen gas into the torrefaction system. The effects of main parameters from temperature, residence time were studied towards mass yield, energy yield, proximate analysis and hydrophobicity percentage. Result revealed the increased of energy value up to 22.4MJ/kg for torrefied samples, whereby from proximate analysis mark the increased of fixed carbon percentage whilst volatile matter decreased. Torrefaction products also shows the ability of reducing of moisture uptake up to 60%, which is prudent the good grindability.