Characterization of the process of compaction of residual biomass from the palm oil industry

Abstract

To produce fuel briquettes from the waste of the biological processing process, this biomass is pre-dried and pressed into briquettes. Subsequently, prepared fuel briquettes are used for heating residential premises and factory workshops. The aim of the study was to develop a technology for producing briquettes from biomass with specified characteristics. Basic technical specifications for oil palm biomass compression are determined, based on certain variables to be monitored in the manufacture of briquettes from this material. Briquettes were manufactured under certain conditions. The briquettes were tested. According to the test result, a correlation has been established between the initial data (fiber length, relative humidity of raw materials and compression time) and the results obtained (compression strength, durability and volumetric density). Biomass with a relative humidity of not more than 8% has been determined to be used in the production process. The ideal values for quantitative variables have been established: relative humidity of the air 8%, fiber length 85 mm and compression time 20 s.