Co-pelletization of Hemp Residues and Agricultural Biomass: Effect on Pellet Quality and Stability

Abstract

The rising interest in lowering the use of fossil fuels, which influence environmental pollution and global warming, is driving a substantial increase in renewable sources. Agricultural residues are the likely potential source for bioenergy generation. Some of them are already utilized for energy. Nonetheless, their potential is underutilized due to low biomass quality and high concentrations of sulfur and chloride, which induce the corrosion of adjoining equipment. However, their ash content and ash melting point make their utilization as renewable resources essential. Therefore, there is a need to find technologies to enhance biomass utilization for bioenergy processes. With the increase in hemp cultivation to extract phytocannabinoids, the amount of unused biomass has increased. The aim of this research was to investigate the use of hemp biomass for pellets and improve pellet quality by mixing them with lignin and oak sawdust. The results showed that the lowest amount of ash was found in pellets with 80% oak sawdust and 20% hemp residue compared with pellets made from mixtures of hemp residues, lignin, and oak sawdust. The highest calorific value was achieved by mixing hemp residues (20%) with lignin (80%).