Potassium-free Solid Fuel Production from Palm Empty Fruit Bunch by Hydrothermal Treatment

Abstract

This study aims to produce a clean solid fuel from palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) utilizing the combination of the hydrothermal treatment technology (HTT) and washing treatment. The demerits of EFB in its energy extraction involves its high moisture content, low bulk and energy densities and shape that have negative effects on the combustion efficiency and transportation. In addition, its high potassium content often causes severe deposition problem in biomass-fired boilers. HTT becomes one of key technologies in improving the fuel characteristics and the combination of HTT and the washing co-treatment is promising for upgrading biomass into clean solid fuel.