Effect of drying duration on the water content of durian peel waste for bio pellet

Abstract

Bio pellet is popular as an alternative solid fuel for replacing firewood and coal. In this study, the biomass used as raw material for making bio pellets is durian peel. Due to the high-water content, durian peel must be dried before being processed into a bio pellet. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze three variable time effects of drying duration at a temperature of 100°C on the water content of durian peel. The results showed that the water content of durian skin after drying for 6, 12, and 24 hours was 11,04%; 8,09%; and 3,75%. The most extended drying duration will produce the driest raw materials and the lowest moisture content. Nevertheless, the drying time that has the appropriate moisture content for the raw material for making pellets was 6 and 12 hours.