Trial of Biopellet Prepared by Napier Grass

Abstract

Pelletization from nonwoody biomass has gained a lot of attention due to its potential to secure biomass feedstock supply and pricing. Studies have been conducted to produce biopellets from different parts of Napier grass plant. In this study, two different species of Napier grass were used. Two pressure points and five different times were varied accordingly. Proximate, ultimate, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were performed to assess chemical properties. Statistical analysis of the collected data validated and supported the discussion. The produced pellets of Napier grass exhibited good energy density comparable to those in the literature based on gross calorific values. The pellet density demonstrated a significant effect with time, pressure, and feedstock ratios. The pellet durability test showed comparable characteristics to another biomass pellet. Both Pakchong Napier grass (PNG) and wild Napier grass (WNG) biopellet densities obtained were higher than 0.650 g/cm3, and the durability was higher than 95%. This signifies that the pellet can withstand repeated transfer during handling without breakage.