OPTIMIZING THE CARBONIZATION TEMPERATURE OF WATER HYACINTH BIOCHAR BY PROXIMATE ANALYSIS USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

Conventional energy resources decrease worldwide with increasing population and technology advancement. Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka focuses on total replacement of fossil fuel by renewable energy sources by 2050. Water hyacinth is a renewable energy source as it has considerable energy potential within and it is invasive to Sri Lanka. This study aims to identify the ideal proportion of the saw dust: water hyacinth and cow dung: water hyacinth to produce briquettes for biomass boilers in industries. Saw dust was mixed with water hyacinth in 25:75-S1, 50:50-S2 and 75:25-S3 proportions. Cow dung was mixed with water hyacinth as above proportions (C1, C2 and C3). Energy briquettes were manufactured using screw type extruder briquetting machine. Energy properties including moisture content, volatile matter content, ash content, fixed carbon and calorific value and mechanical properties including bulk density, durability, water resistance capacity and water boiling time were measured and fuel wood value indices of briquettes were calculated. In saw dust-water hyacinth briquettes, there is no any significant difference between three types for fuel value indices and density. S2 type of briquettes perform better as they have significantly higher calorific value (19.17 kJ/g) and water resistance capacity (98.73%) and significantly lower moisture content (5.32%) and water boiling time (10 minutes). In cow dung-water hyacinth briquettes, C1 and C2 types of briquettes have significantly higher FVI. C2 type of briquette have significantly higher volatile matter content (75.54%) and significantly lower moisture content 5.81%) and fixed carbon content (10.0%). C1 type of briquettes took significantly lower time (21 min) to boil one litre of water. C2 type of water hyacinth-cow dung briquettes can be considered as the best in terms of energy and mechanical properties.

This study investigates the thermal behaviour of Malaysian Khaya senegalensis wood energy pellets, examining the effects of densification at different feedstock moisture levels. Densified wood pellets are promising renewable energy sources, but the impact of densification on thermal characteristics, considering various moisture contents, is underexplored. The main objective is to quantify the thermal characteristics, which involved proximate analysis such as energy pellets’ ash content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and calorific value. In this research, Malaysian Khaya senegalensis wood was converted into pellets through a densification process, spanning from of 4-20% feedstock moisture levels. The manufactured pellets were then subjected to various tests to characterize the thermal properties. Results reveal compelling insights on the relationships between densification, moisture content, and thermal properties. Densification significantly influenced thermal attributes, with effects tied to initial moisture content. Varying moisture levels led to distinct thermal responses, reflecting interactions between densification-induced changes in moisture and thermal responses. In this study, the best moisture content for ash content was found to be 16%, with 3.24% ash content, 16% moisture content with volatile matter of 85.24%, fixed carbon of 12% from 20% moisture content, and 16% moisture content with calorific value of 19.65 MJ/kg. These findings aid Khaya senegalensis wood pellet densification optimization for improved thermal performance. Understanding densification's impact on thermal behaviour under varying moisture conditions enhances pellet efficiency as sustainable energy sources. This research contributes to biomass pellet knowledge for renewable energy applications, advancing efficient and eco-friendly energy solutions.

In this study, biomass resource is chosen as a renewable energy source based on the abundance of oil palm waste generated monthly. The aim of this study is to find an optimal value of torrefection process on the torrefied biochar from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) in order to produce biomass energy source by using the Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM). The OPEFB has been torrefied based on the three independent variables which are particle size (250, 500 and 750µm), holding temperature (200, 250 and 300°C) and residence time (30, 60 and 90 minutes). Torrefied biochar are being optimized in regards of six dependent variables which are mass yield, moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon and calorific value. The optimization process from the RSM shows that the most optimal value for OPEFB torrefied biochar is at 750µm (particle size), 274°C (holding temperature) and 90 minutes (residence time) of torrefaction process in order to produce a high energy content of biomass.

Optimization of hydrothermal processing for banana peel waste: Enhancing solid fuel characteristics as a renewable energy source

The increasing global energy demand and environmental concerns necessitate the development of alternative energy sources. Durian peel, an abundant agricultural waste in Indonesia, presents significant potential for bio-briquette production due to its high cellulose and lignin content. This study investigates the effect of carbonization temperature on the quality of durian peel-based bio-briquettes. Carbonization was conducted at 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C, with proximate analysis and calorific value determination performed according to SNI 01-6235-2000 standards. The results demonstrate that higher carbonization temperatures reduce moisture and volatile matter while increasing fixed carbon and calorific value. At 500°C, the bio-briquettes exhibited optimal properties, including moisture content (7.47%), volatile matter (13.54%), and a calorific value exceeding 5000 cal/g, meeting the SNI standard. However, ash content at this temperature (9.33%) slightly exceeded the standard (≤8%), highlighting a trade-off between energy efficiency and residual minerals. This study concludes that 500°C is the optimal carbonization temperature for producing high-quality bio-briquettes from durian peel, balancing energy output and combustion efficiency. Further optimization of the process is recommended to enhance fixed carbon content and minimize ash. These findings contribute to sustainable energy practices by transforming agricultural waste into a renewable energy resource, addressing both waste management and energy challenges.

This study was conducted to identify the energy alternative by using different kinds of de-oiled cakes which are considered as waste and produce pellets. The bamboo biomass dust used in this study was Bambusa balcooa and the binders are de-oiled cakes of Sal (Shorea robusta), Karanj (Millettia pinnata), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) and Rice bran. Different aged bamboo biomass dust viz., one-year-aged, two-year-aged and three-year-aged was used in the pellet production. The experiment was designed in Factorial Randomized Block Design in which two factors are involved i.e., different binders are considered as Factor A and different ages of bamboo biomass dust was considered as Factor B. Based on the results obtained from the study for physical properties, proximate analysis, combustion properties and economics of the pellets showed that the pellets would be the proposed new biomass solid fuel (suitable for burning purpose) and can be used for commercial purpose. In case of bamboo biomass dust, the analyzed parameters are moisture content (%), ash content (%) and gross calorific value (Cal g-1). The data showed that, as the age of bamboo biomass increases, the moisture content (%) and ash content (%) decreases but the gross calorific value (Cal g-1) increased. The depicted results of different parameters for bamboo pellets are studied and resulted that, in particle density (g cm-3) and combustion rate (g s-1), the highest values were showed by 2-year-old bamboo biomass followed by 3-year-old bamboo biomass and lowest value was observed in 1-year-old bamboo biomass. Meanwhile, the properties such as bulk density, percentage volatile matter and percentage ash content showed gradual decrease in values as the age of bamboo biomass increased.

The purpose of this study was to see the best quality of briquettes from the main ingredient of coconut shell wastewith various biomass additives to see the calorific value, moisture content, ash content, and volatile mattercontent of the biomass mixture. Furthermore, further research will be carried out specifically to see the quality ofbriquettes from a mixture of coconut shell waste and sawdust. The method used in this research is to conduct aliterature study of various literature related to briquettes from coconut shell waste mixed with various additivesspecifically and then look at the best quality briquettes produced from these various pieces of literature. As forwhat is determined as the control variable of this study is coconut shell waste and as an independent variable,namely coffee skin waste, rice husks, water hyacinth, Bintaro fruit, segon wood sawdust, coconut husk, durianskin, bamboo charcoal, areca nut skin, and leather waste. sago with a certain composition. Furthermore, thispaper also describes the stages of making briquettes from coconut shell waste and sawdust for further testing ofthe calorific value, moisture content, ash content, volatile matter content on a laboratory scale for furtherresearch. From various literatures, it was found that the highest calorific value was obtained from a mixture ofcoconut shell waste and bamboo charcoal with a value of 7110.7288 cal / gr and the lowest calorific value wasobtained from a mixture of coconut shell waste and sago shell waste with a value of 114 cal / gr, then for the valueThe highest water content was obtained from a mixture of coconut shell waste and rice husk with a value of37.70% and the lowest water content value was obtained from a mixture of coconut shell waste 3.80%, then for thehighest ash content value was obtained from a mixture of coconut shell waste and coffee skin with a value of20.862% and for the lowest ash content value obtained from a mixture of coconut shell and Bintaro fruit waste,namely 2%, and for the highest volatile matter content value obtained from a mixture of coconut shell and coconuthusk waste with a value of 33.45% and for the value of volatile matter levels The lowest was obtained from amixture of coconut shell waste and sago skin waste with a value of 33 , 45%.

Coal is a deposit of organic matter derived from plant remains that have undergone diagenesis process to form a coal seams. This study aims to determine the impact of intrusion on the physical and chemical characteristics of coal. The location of this research is in the Air Laya mining area, PT Bukit Asam Tbk, Tanjung Enim, South Sumatra and is part of the South Sumatra Basin which is well known as one of the coal bearing formation areas. Four (4) coal samples were analysed including proximate analysis, total sulphur content, and calorific value to measure moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content, and calorific value of the coal. Petrology and well log analysis was used to determine lithology and regression analysis was used to assess the effect of intrusion on coal characteristics. The results of the coal analysis in the research area reveal significant differences between coal samples located near the intrusion and those farther away. Coal located near the intrusion exhibits black colour, vitreous and conchoidal fracture. In contrast, coal farther from the intrusion shows a dull, blackish-brown, brownish streak, and uneven fracture. Coal near the intrusion shows lower moisture (1.5–1.7%) and volatile matter (17–25%), but higher ash content (7.9–8.2%), fixed carbon (67–73%), calorific value (7700–7968 kcal/kg), and sulphur (0.7–0.8%). In the other hand, coal farther from the intrusion has higher moisture and volatile matter, but lower fixed carbon, calorific value, and sulphur. The findings conclude that proximity to intrusion increases fixed carbon and calorific value but also raises sulphur levels, which may pose environmental and operational concerns.

Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be processed into charcoal through a carbonisation process, which depends on temperature to improve the quality of the charcoal produced. This research focuses on the utilisation of Oil Palm Fronds (OPF) and Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) as biomass feedstock in an effort to produce an alternative fuel that can be used in the co-firing process with Low Rank Coal (LRC). This study heats palm fronds and shells at 300°C to 600°C, then measures moisture content, ash content, calorific value, and sulfur content. Based on the results, a temperature of 600°C was identified as the optimal condition for the OPF and PKS drying process. At this temperature, a significant decrease in moisture content is directly proportional to the increase in ash content and calorific value, indicating an improvement in fuel quality. The highest calorific values achieved were 6095.35 kcal/kg for OPF and 7364.81 kcal/kg for PKS. In addition, the sulphur content of the charred biomass is much lower than that of coal, which provides an advantage in terms of cleaner emissions. In comparison with LRC, the charred biomass showed better quality in terms of calorific value and lower sulphur content, despite the higher ash content of the biomass. OPF and PKS that have undergone the charring process offer a more environmentally friendly fuel alternative and have the potential to replace LRC in combustion applications, resulting in lower emissions. This study thus reinforces the potential of oil palm biomass as a promising renewable energy source.

Physical and chemical characterizations of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) plants as an alternative energy source have been conducted. The samples were originated from Sengguruh, Kepanjen, and Selorejo Dams, Ngantang, district of Malang, East Java, Indonesia. The Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) test was performed for the chemical element content analysis of water hyacinth biomass and the proximate test was performed for physical characteristics investigation. The results indicated that chemical elements of water hyacinth are C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Zr, Cl, K, Ca, Si, Ti, and Fe revealing dominant elements, i.e., oxygen and carbon for 49.50% and 14.46%, respectively. The proximate analysis revealed that its moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content were 4.9, 61.2, 13.8, 20.1 (wt.%), respectively. This biomass has gross calorific value (GCV) that tested with an adiabatic bomb calorimeter of 14.46 MJ/kg. Since the water hyacinth biomass has a relatively high volatile content and a low heating value, it is reasonable that water hyacinth might suitably for co-combustion with coal to increase the coal’s reactivity during the combustion process.

This study aimed to investigate the synthesis optimization of activated carbon-driven scrap tires for adsorbent yield and methylene blue removal under response surface methodology. The scrap tire sample was activated by KOH using ethanol as a solvent. The optimized activated carbon was characterized using proximate analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) method. The activated carbon was demineralized using 5 M NaOH + 98% H2SO4 (1 : 1) as a solvent to enhance the surface area. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models were used to check the adsorption isotherm. The adsorption kinetics was checked using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. Weber-Morris intraparticle diffusion model was used to study the diffusion mechanism. The optimum impregnation ratio, impregnation time, and carbonization temperature for synthesizing the activated carbon were 2 g/g, 12 hr, and 700°C, respectively. The moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon, and bulk density of the activated carbon were 6.13%, 9.42%, 5.34%, 79.11%, and 0.89 mg/L, respectively. The surface area of optimized activated carbon was enhanced by demineralization process and increased from 53 m2/g to 260.26 m2/g. Temkin adsorption isotherm with R2 values of 0.982 and pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics with R2 values of 0.999 best fits the experimental data respectively. Intraparticle diffusion was not the only rate-controlling step for both optimized and demineralized (NaOH + H2SO4) activated carbon. It can be concluded that the optimized and demineralized activated carbon derived from scrap tires has a promising potential to be used as a low-cost adsorbent in developing countries including Ethiopia. However, further investigation needs to be conducted before scaling up at industrial level.

The study was conducted to determine the influence of cinnamon and garlic on proximate and microbiological properties of beef minced meat (Dambun nama). Dambun nama was produced using three different spices (Cinnamon powder 10g/kg, Garlic powder 10g/kg, Cinnamon plus Garlic powder10g/kg at 1:1, including control). The meat was cooked at 60°C for 60-140 minutes during which preferred seasonings were added. The meat was then pounded with mortar and pestle until the matrix was formed. It was then dried in a hot air oven for 30minutes at 60°C and fried for 20 minutes with little oil. All samples were subjected to proximate and microbial analyses. The proximate analysis revealed significant difference (P<0.05) across the beef minced meat samples on moisture and ash content. Dambun nama made from T4 (Garlic plus Cinnamon powder) had the lowest (5.14%) moisture content, highest value of protein (44.03%) and ash (5.33%) content. On microbiological analyses, significant difference (P<0.05) was observed on E. coli with highest count of (0.90 x102 cfu/g) in T3 (Cinnamon powder), while the lowest count (0.01 x102 cfu/g) was found in T4. Staphylococcus aureus (0.81 x103 cfu/g) and Salmonella spp. (0.66 x103cfu/g) were all recorded higher count in T1, while least count was found in T4. It was concluded that addition of cinnamon and garlic either individually or in combination, significantly influenced both the proximate and microbial quality of the experimental beef minced meat. The sample treated with a combination of garlic and cinnamon (T4), showed the most favorable results such as lowering the moisture content which enhances the shelf life, high protein and ash content indicating improved nutritional value. Low microbial counts were also observed, particularly in total viable bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus, proving better microbial safety and longer shelf life stability.

In the absence of the widespread distribution of modern cooking fuels in developing countries, efforts are being made to utilise biomass residues which abound in most of these countries. This is intended to replace portions of firewood and charcoal and thereby reduce the cutting down of forests for fuel purposes. Briquettes from agro-residues have therefore been promoted as a better replacement to firewood and charcoals for heating, cooking and other industrial applications in both urban and rural communities. This study sought to assess the physico-chemical properties of charcoal briquettes produced in Ghana and also establish demand for and willingness of potential users to substitute charcoal and firewood with a charcoal briquette. A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of the briquettes. This was done prior to the distribution of the briquette to potential users to collaborate their views or otherwise on the handling and burning characteristics of the charcoal briquette. A survey was undertaken a week later using questionnaires to access the willingness of the potential users to use the briquettes. Sixty respondents were purposively selected from households and the hospitality industry for the survey. Results of the physico-chemical assessment of the briquettes were as follows: length (75 to 120 mm), moisture content (5.7% dry basis), density (1.1 g/cm3), ash content (2.6%), fixed carbon (20.7%), volatile matter (71%) and calorific value (4,820 kcal/kg). Responses from the survey indicated that the briquette is easy to ignite, has a long burning time and has good heat output. Respondents also observed that the briquettes did not give off sparks and had less smoke and ash content as compared to the regular charcoal they often used. Finally, 93% of the respondents indicated their willingness to use the briquettes if the price was comparable to charcoal.

Evaluation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as a potential raw material source for briquette production

This research investigates the potential of biomass-coal blends as an alternative fuel source, focusing on coal from Darra Adam Khel, Cherat, Harnoi, and Daola in the KPK province of Pakistan and Parthenium weed biomass. The study assesses the impact of varying biomass ratios on proximate analysis (net calorific value (NCV), sulfur content, volatile matter, ash content, and moisture content) and calorific values of the composite fuel. Results reveal a linear NCV decline with increasing biomass, affecting high NCV coals less. Daola and Darra coal, starting at 30.43 and 31.32 MJ/kg, decreased to 20.15 MJ/kg and 19.71 MJ/kg with 66% biomass. Sulfur content, notably high in high NCV coals, significantly reduces with biomass; Darra coal decreases from 3.31% to below 1% with 66% biomass. Volatile matter uniformly increases with incremental biomass, enhancing combustibility. Cherat coal, initially at 8% volatile matter, rises to 50% with 66% biomass. Biomass effectively reduces ash content, particularly beneficial for low NCV coals. Harnoi coal, starting with 73% ash content, decreases to 30% with 66% biomass. However, biomass addition raises moisture content due to challenges in removing moisture from Parthenium weed. In summary, these findings optimize biomass-coal blends for enhanced fuel performance, address environmental concerns, and improve combustion efficiency, highlighting their potential as sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources.