Publication: Assessment of properties and thermal energy analysis of palm oil mill effluent (POME) pellets via environmental recycling system (ERS) treatment
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Date
2024-07
Authors
Muhammad Afiq Ikmal bin Rozaidie
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Abstract
Research into effective waste management and resource utilization, particularly with Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), has intensified global interest in sustainability. This study examines Palm Oil Mill Effluent-Empty Fruit Bunches (POME-EFB) mixture pellets treated via an Environmental Recycling System (ERS) to assess their potential as renewable energy sources and eco-friendly waste management solutions. Using standard tests like Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Bomb Calorimeter (BC) testing, and Universal Testing Machine (UTM) compressive load testing, the properties and thermal energy aspects of POME-EFB pellets were evaluated across different POME to EFB ratios: POME 1:0 EFB Ratio (P10), POME 3:7 EFB Ratio (P37), and POME 7:3 EFB Ratio (P73). The UTM compressive test revealed that P37 exhibited the highest mechanical strength with a maximum compressive load of 21.94 N, followed by P10 at 5.24 N, and P73 with the lowest strength at 2.84 N. Increasing the EFB composition enhances pellet mechanical strength, although UTM tests showed that all samples had generally a very weak mechanical property. TGA results indicated high volatile matter across all samples. For fixed carbon, P37 had the highest content (8.809%), followed by P73 (4.572%) and P10 (2.525%). This low fixed carbon content suggests the pellets are less ideal for combustion and gasification, while the high volatile matter may facilitate gasification. BC test results showed that P73 pellets had the highest higher calorific value (HHV) at 24.99 MJ/kg, making them the most energy-dense sample, followed by P10 at 17.82 MJ/kg and P37 at 17.59 MJ/kg. A gasification using downdraft gasifier, conducted on P73, yielded an efficiency of 61.34%, with the produced syngas containing 7.94% hydrogen, 9.16% carbon monoxide, and 3.09% methane, resulting in a heating value of 3.12 MJ/Nm³. The effects of torrefaction on POME-EFB pellets were also examined using TGA and Bomb Calorimeter tests. Post-torrefaction, moisture content decreased significantly, volatile matter reduced, and fixed carbon content increased despite a slight rise in ash content. HHV improved for P10 and P37, while P73 experienced a minor decrease. Overall, torrefaction enhances the energy density, efficiency, and viability of POME-EFB pellets for combustion and gasification, making them a more effective fuel source.