Optimization of Torrefaction of Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Using Response Surface Methodology

Authors

  • Chokchai Mueanmas Thaksin University
  • Panadda Indum
  • Ruamporn Nikhom

Abstract

Palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) is waste material from palm oil processing. It has potential as a renewable energy resource. However, direct processing is undesirable due to poor properties of the fuel obtained. Therefore, this research aims to improve the properties of fuel produced from PEFB by using a torrefaction process. Central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied to optimize the process. The interactions of the independent parameters including temperature (200 - 320๐C) and time (5 – 50 min) with the dependent parameters consisting of mass yield (%MY), moisture content (%MC), volatile organic content (%VC), ash content (%AC), fixed carbon content (%FC) and heating value (HV) were determined. The experimental results were fitted to a quadratic equation which was also validated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the influence of individual parameters. The high R2 values of the results indicated the good agreement of the generated model with the predicted and actual responses. The optimal values of temperature and time for torrefaction of PEFB were found to be 278๐C and 23 min, respectively. Under this condition, the %MY of torrefied product was 36.7%. It was found that %MC and %VC decreased 92.0% and 31.6% while %FC and HV increased 1,367.5% and 26.7%, respectively. The model accuracy was verified through triplicate experiments that produced small discrepancies between predicted and actual values. In conclusion, these studies revealed that torrefaction has the potential to improve the quality of fuel produced from PEFB.                                               Keywords :  torrefaction process ; palm empty fruit bunch ; fuel property  response ; surface methodology

Author Biography

Chokchai Mueanmas, Thaksin University

     

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Published

2020-09-01