Increasing product quality of torrefied palm kernel shell batch model with internal surface area modification

Abstract

Abstract As the largest palm oil-producing country in the world, Indonesia has abundant biomass potential from the production of crude palm oil (CPO). Palm oil production in 2018 in Indonesia is 34.94 million tons, where have by-products are empty bunches (23%), mesocarp fiber (12%), and palm kernel shell (5%). Palm kernel shells are a potential biomass that can upgrade the quality as a solid fuel through thermochemical processes. Torrefaction is one of the thermochemical processes where currently being used to increase the quality of biomass. The usual method used for the torrefaction process in the laboratory is the batch method. However, this method has a disadvantage when the capacity is improved make decreases the quality of the fuel produced. In this study, the quality of torrefied palm kernel shell from batch and batch torrefaction with internal surface area modification were compared. The torrefaction process was carried out at 275°C, with a residence time of 30 minutes. The results showed that the torrefaction of the modified batch method had a better heating value, and was proximate as a fuel.