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Biomass fuel characteristics of Malaysian Khaya Senegalensis wood-derived energy pellets: effects of densification at varied processing temperatures

2024 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Khor Chu Yee , Alina Rahayu Mohamed

This study addresses the effects of densification at varied pelletization temperatures on the novel Malaysian Khaya senegalensis wood-derived pellets biomass fuel characteristics. The lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the biomass fuel characteristics of this species prompted the research. By addressing this knowledge gap, this study explores the impact of temperature variations on key fuel properties, contributing to the optimization of sustainable biomass fuel production in manufacturing and materials processing. Khaya senegalensis wood, grown and harvested in Malaysia, was pelletized at different temperatures to analyze the calorific value, volatile matter content, ash content, fixed carbon, bulk density, and moisture contents of the pellets. The experimental data revealed a significant relationship between temperature and these fuel properties. Pelletizing at 75 °C produced the highest calorific value of 19.47 MJ/kg and the maximum fixed carbon content of 10.04%. A low ash level of 4.26% was achieved via pelletizing at 75 °C. According to the results, 75 °C produced the best thermophysical properties. These findings provide valuable understanding of how pelletization temperature influences fuel pellet thermophysical properties, a critical aspect in optimizing fuel pellet production, storage, advancing renewable energy resource utilization, and, finally, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

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Pelletization Temperature and Pressure Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Khaya senegalensis Biomass Energy Pellets

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

Biomass pellets are one of the most crucial feedstocks for bioenergy production on a global scale due to their numerous advantages over raw biomass resources. Pellets provide improved energy density, bulk density, moisture content, and homogeneity thereby reducing storage, handling, and transportation costs. To produce high-quality solid fuel, it is necessary to comprehend the properties of wood fuel. This study explored the potential of Khaya senegalensis (khaya) as a dedicated energy crop (DEC) for the production of green energy. It thrives in less-than-ideal conditions and grows rapidly. The low durability of energy pellets raises the risk of dust and fire during handling and storage. In addition, the potential for fines and dust formation is strongly correlated with the mechanical strength of materials. Due to this necessity, the current study examines the effects of pelletization factors, including temperature and pressure, on pellet properties, particularly on its mechanical properties. The durability and compressive strength of pellets were determined using a sieve shaker and a universal testing machine, respectively. The highest mechanical durability was observed at 3 tons of pressure and 75 degrees Celsius, each with a value of 99.6%. The maximum axial compressive strength was measured at 57.53 MPa under 5 tons of pressure. When pelletized at 125 °C, the axial compressive strength increased by 13.8037% to 66.06 MPa compared to the strength obtained at 5 tons of pressure. Pelletizing Khaya feedstocks at 4 tons of pressure, on the other hand, produced a slightly lower diametral compressive strength of 7.08 MPa compared to 7.59 MPa at 125 °C. The experimental results revealed that the aforementioned factors significantly affect the mechanical properties of pellets. The elucidation of wood biomass, solid fuel qualities and pelletization parameters of this potential energy crop may facilitate the production of high-quality pellets from Khaya senegalensis wood to meet the increasing local and worldwide energy demands.