Ras Izzati Ismail
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Preferred name
Ras Izzati Ismail
Official Name
Ras Izzati, Ismail
Alternative Name
Ismail, Ras Izzati binti
Ismail, R. I.
Ismail, Ras Izzati
Main Affiliation
Scopus Author ID
57193309626
Researcher ID
AAI-8795-2021

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Durability properties of demineralized and torrefied Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) pellets

2020 , Alina Rahayu Mohamed , Ras Izzati Ismail , Rashid, Mohammad Abdur , Khairunissa Syairah Ahmad Sohaimi , N N Kasim , R Badlishah Ahmad

The pelletization of raw and demineralized and torrefied empty fruit bunch (TDEFB) were conducted upon mixing with bio-oil that was obtained from EFB pyrolysis. The ratio of bio-oil addition to raw and TDEFB was varied from 0-20 wt%. Then it was pressed using the single pellet press machine. The effects of the ratio of bio-oil addition to raw and TDEFB and the thickness of pellets were evaluated towards its durability. It was identified that the ratio of bio-oil addition to raw and TDEFB pellet of 5 wt% had produced the optimum durability which was 69.27 and 74.46 % respectively. In terms of the thickness of the raw and torrefied pellets, it was determined that at thickness of 3 cm, the durability was the highest which were 70.12 and 71.12 % for both raw and TDEFB pellets respectively. The raw and TDEFB pellets were analysed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy in order to evaluate the presence of functional groups within the materials. The presence of O-H hydroxyl group, C=O from carbonyl or ester and C-H alkane groups are detected in both raw and torrefied pellets.

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Optimization of processing parameters for physical, mechanical and chemical properties of Khaya senegalensis fuel pellets

2024 , Ras Izzati Ismail

Flourishing even in less-than-ideal conditions, the rapid growth of the Khaya senegalensis (khaya) tree requires regular pruning, presenting a challenge in waste management. To address this, the study proposes repurposing the pruning waste to manufacture energy pellets, offering an eco-friendly solution to waste removal. Pellets offer improved energy density, bulk density, moisture content, and homogeneity, thereby reducing storage, handling, and transportation costs. Notably, there is a lack of scientific gap on using Khaya senegalensis wood for fuel pellet production. To produce high-quality solid fuel, it is essential to comprehend the properties of wood fuel. Due to this necessity, the current study examines the effects of pelletization temperature, pressure, particle size, feedstock moisture content and binder percentages on fuel pellet properties, particularly on their physical, mechanical and combustion characteristics. In this study, the methodology involved determining the fuel characteristics of Khaya senegalensis wood biomass, including bulk density and calorific value, followed by the fabrication of fuel pellets from varying feedstock parameters. The effects of these parameters on pellet properties were analyzed through a parametric study, and response surface methodology was employed to optimize the processing conditions for enhanced pellet quality. The study achieves its first objective by comprehensively assessing the fuel characteristics of Khaya senegalensis wood, with bulk density measured at 258 kg/m³, moisture content (26.06 %), ash content (5.38 %), volatile matter (83.07 %), fixed carbon (15.46 %), and calorific values (16.11 MJ/kg). The second objective involves a parametric study, investigating the effects of pelletizing parameters on mechanical strength and combustion characteristics. The study successfully establishes relationships and optimized conditions for various parameters, presenting statistically significant findings in response analysis. The third objective employs response surface methodology to optimize pelletizing variables for ideal mechanical and combustion characteristics, resulting in well-validated models and predicted optimized values. Design Expert 13 revealed that khaya pellets performed optimally with factor settings of pelletization temperature at 110 °C, pressure at 5 tonnes, and a binder percentage of 9 %. The optimized values for various responses include axial compressive strength at 55.66 MPa, diametral compressive strength at 9.604 MPa, moisture content at 6.93 %, volatile matter at 87.83 %, ash content at 6.54 %, fixed carbon at 5.31 %, calorific value at 19.08 MJ/kg, durability at 99.93 %, and unit density at 1309.37 kg/m³. In conclusion, all the objectives have been successfully achieved, and the research provides valuable insights into repurposing khaya wood waste for sustainable energy pellet production. Understanding wood biomass, solid fuel qualities, and pelletization parameters for this crop could streamline the production of premium-quality pellets from khaya wood, addressing global energy demands efficiently.

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The effect of different khaya senegalensis raw feedstock particle sizes on solid fuel pellet quality

2020-07-09 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Usamah M.I. , Abd Razak Shaari , Yee K.C. , Alina Rahayu Mohamed , Mohd Riduan Jamalludin , Norawanis Abdul Razak , Leng L.Y. , Nur Lailina Makhtar , Rosli M.U.M.

In recent years, the usage and demand for biomass pellet has been increasing due to the need of substitution for non-renewable energy source. Therefore, high quality solid fuel is in need to cater this demand. Pellet qualities such as durability, calorific value and density are different depending on the type of material, size of particle and the density of the feedstock. In this study, the durability, calorific value and unit density of Khaya Senegalensis pellet was investigated. This was done to identify the optimum particle size to obtain the best qualities of pellet possible. The ground biomass material was separated into 0.15 mm, 0.50 mm and 1.00 mm particle sizes, pelletized and ultimately the pellet durability, calorific value and unit density were tested in this study. It was found that 0.15 mm particle size resulted in the highest pellet durability, and density value. 1.00 mm particle size pellet has the highest calorific value. As a conclusion, different raw biomass feedstock particle size will affect the durability, density and calorific value of pellet.

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Optimization of fuel pellet parameter from oil palm fronds by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

2023-06 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Khor Chu Yee , Alina Rahayu Mohamed , Nadiah Farzana Jamaludin , Adli Azimi Abdul Rahman , Mohd Riduan Jamalludin

The oil palm tree, which had been producing a plentiful supply of oil palm fronds, had simply been left to rot on the ground. As biomass is a loose substance, pelletization was undertaken so that it could be transported and stored with ease. High-quality pellet production was studied to maximize oil palm frond use. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to determine the impact of particle size and moisture content on fuel pellet quality. The response surface approach was utilized in this study to optimize the oil palm fronds pellet particle size and the moisture content on the durability, unit density, and calorific value. The particle sizes analyzed were 0.15 mm, 0.500 mm, and 1.00 mm, while the moisture content was 5%, 10.50%, and 16%. The pellets were manufactured using a hydraulic single pellet press, and their calorific value, unit density, and durability were evaluated using a bomb calorimeter, a density formula, and a sieve shaker, respectively. The optimization yielded the maximum desirability (0.5026) for particles with a 16% moisture content and a 0.500 mm particle size. The condition is ideal when the value of desirability is closest to 1.00. It may be concluded that the particle size and moisture content of oil palm fronds affect the durability, unit density, and calorific value of oil palm fronds pellet.

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Thermal characteristics of Malaysian Khaya Senegalensis wood fuel pellets: densification-induced changes at different feedstock moisture levels

2025 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Alina Rahayu Mohamed

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.

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The effect of silica toward polymer membrane for water separation process

2017-09-26 , Mohd Riduan Jamalludin , Rosli M.U. , Muhammad Ikman Ishak , Khor Chu Yee , Mohamad Suhaimi Shahrin , Ras Izzati Ismail , Lailina N.M. , Leng Y.L. , Hazrin Jahidi Jaafar

The aim of this present work was to investigate the effect of different percentage rice husk silica (RHS) particles composition towards polymer mixed matrix membrane microstructure and performance in water separation process. The polymer membranes were prepared by a phase inversion method using polysulfone (PSf), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent, distilled water as non-solvent and fixed RHS at 400°C as an additive. The microstructures of PSf/PEG/RHS sample were characterized by performing scanning electron microscope (SEM). The performance was measured by using pure water flux and humic acid for the rejection test. The analyzed result of SEM analysis revealed that the addition of RHS obviously improved the microstructure of the membrane especially at the top and sub layer at the range of 1 until 3 wt. %. This was proven by the pure water flux (PWF) value measured from 114.47 LMH to 154.04 LMH and rejection from value 83% to 96% at this specified range substantially higher than the mixed matrix membrane with synthetic silica. In fact, the presence of RHS particles not only improved the properties and performance of membrane but also possess biodegradable properties which can minimize the pollution and provide a membrane green technology system.

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The effect of torrefaction reaction temperature on the Elaeis Guineensis Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) pellet durability and calorific value

2020 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Lee Yit Leng , Nur Lailina Makhtar , A A A Rahman , J A A Dali , A R Shaari , Khor Chu Yee , A R Mohamed , Mohd Riduan Jamalludin , Norawanis Abdul Razak , Wan Nur A'tiqah Wan Draman

Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) are not being fully utilized for energy production due to its high moisture content, low density, having bulky characteristics and low calorific value. In order to improve characteristic of Elaeis Guineensis empty fruit bunch as fuel, pre-treatment process is necessary to overcome these shortcomings. Therefore, the aim of this research is to examine the effect of torrefaction reaction temperature on the Elaeis Guineensis pellet energy characteristics. The observed pellet qualities include the pellet durability and calorific value of the pellet. The torrefaction of empty fruit bunch was conducted in a fixed-bed reactor at 200°C, 220°C, 240°C and 260°C. The torrefied sample was pelletized, analysed and tested to examine the characteristics of empty fruit bunch biomass as fuel. The pelletization process was carried out by using the cold single press pelletizer and using cassava starch as binder. At higher torrefaction temperature, the decomposition of cellulose and lignin become more prominent. At the torrefaction temperature 260°C, the gross calorific value is the highest due to the removal of moisture, release of volatile matter and the decomposition of biomass components such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin which resulted in energy densification. By comparing the torrefied empty fruit bunch at 260°C with the untorrefied empty fruit bunch, it was found that the torrefaction increased the energy densification and pellet qualities of empty fruit bunch that can be utilized as biomass energy sources in renewable energy.

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Cracking the code: process parameter effects on Khaya senegalensis energy pellet moisture content

2023-12 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Khor Chu Yee , Alina Rahayu Mohamed

The production of energy pellets from biomass sources holds immense potential for sustainable renewable energy generation. This study investigates the influence of key process parameters on the moisture content of energy pellets derived from Khaya senegalensis, a promising biomass feedstock in Malaysia. With a focus on unlocking the relationship between process variables and pellet moisture, a systematic experimental approach was adopted. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of raw material moisture, feedstock particle size, compression pressure, and pelletization temperature on the manufactured biomass energy pellet's moisture content. By employing a comprehensive design of experiments and statistical analysis, the nuanced effects of these parameters are revealed on the moisture content of Khaya senegalensis energy pellets. The results illuminate the complex interplay between these process variables and the final moisture characteristics of the pellets. Understanding how these parameters impact moisture content is crucial for optimizing pellet quality, combustion efficiency, and storage stability. The study found a quadratic relationship between particle size, compression pressure, and pelletization temperature, indicating that larger particle sizes correlate with higher moisture content. Excessive pressure led to elevated levels while increasing temperature showed a decreasing trend. This research contributes valuable insights that advance the knowledge frontier of biomass pelletization, paving the way for enhanced utilization of Khaya senegalensis as a renewable energy resource.

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Quantification of the torrefaction influenceon lignin composition of Khaya senegalensis biomass

2023 , Adli Azimi Abdul Rahman , Ras Izzati Ismail , AbdulRazak Shaari , Nik Noriman Zulkepli

In Malaysia, Khaya senegalensis has been introduced as landscape and shade tree. However, Khaya senegalensis has few suitable characteristics to be developed as future energy crops. Fast growing and can be planted in marginal soil are among the important criteria of energy crop that belong to this species. This research was conductedto determine the influence of torrefaction on the lignin composition of the biomass, as it can influence the performance as feedstock for bioenergy production. The biomass sample was torrefied at different temperature (225, 250, 275 and 300°C) and different duration(30, 60, 90 minutes). The result shows that the torrefaction severity has the significant impact on the weight loss and lignin composition of the biomass sample. The total lignin of the torrefied sample increases when the torrefaction severity increases. It was found thatthe changes in the lignin composition have strong correlation with the calorific value of the biomass.

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The Effect of Different Waste Material Binders in Relation to Khaya Senegalensis Solid Fuel Pellet Quality

2023-11-01 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Khor Chu Yee , Alina Rahayu Mohamed , Mustafa N.M.K.N. , Lee Yit Leng , Nur Lailina Makhtar , Norawanis Abdul Razak

Fuel pellets are an attractive renewable energy source derived from biomass sources thanks to their uniformity and ease of handling. However, raw biomass and waste material binders have several drawbacks, which include poor physical properties, particularly low density and compositional heterogeneity, which restrict their wider use as a general source of energy. Besides, due to the low energy density, low bulk density, and uneven shape and size of raw biomass, it is very difficult to store and transport biomass in its original form, which decreases transport efficiency. This study investigated the effect of waste material binders (rice husk, corn cob, and sugarcane bagasse) on the mechanical and thermal properties of Khaya Senagalensis pellets. The mechanical and thermal properties were determined according to ASTM standards. Waste material binders have affected pellet quality such as density, bulk density, moisture content, durability, compressive strength, shatter index, water resistance, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and calorific value. From the analysis, sugarcane bagasse as a binder shows the highest quality pellet in terms of mechanical properties. Sugarcane bagasse produces the highest density (0.967g/cm3), bulk density (0.4094), durability (99.71%), shatter index (98.85%), water resistance (98.35%), and thermal properties, which are the highest volatile matter (94.71%) and the lowest ash content (1.71%). In a nutshell, sugarcane bagasse is a good binder that gives a positive impact to the K.senegalensis pellets in terms of storage and transportation compared to corn cob and rice husk binder.

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