Investigating the role of oxygen and residence time in the torrefaction of empty fruit bunch

Authors

  • Mohamad Khairul Aiman Mohd Fauzi Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah
  • Gilian Rose  Hernaez Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah
  • Ruwaida Abdul Rasid Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah

Keywords:

Biomass, Oxidative torrefaction, Empty fruit bunch, Renewable energy

Abstract

This research investigates the oxidative torrefaction of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) as a renewable energy source. EFB samples from the LCSB palm oil mill were torrefied at 250°C with residence times (RT) of 10, 20, and 30 minutes and oxygen concentrations (OC) of 0, 5, 15, and 21%. Each experiment was repeated three times. Visual observations indicated that the EFB color darkens with increasing RT, particularly at 5% OC, where torrefaction was found to be optimal. Higher OCs of 15% and 21% led to combustion but were ineffective due to insufficient incineration. Mass yield decreased with increasing RT due to moisture and volatile loss. The torrefaction severity index (TSI) showed a linear increase in the enhancement factor with increasing TSI, while energy yield decreased as the enhancement factor exceeded mass yield. The optimal condition for torrefaction was identified as 5% OC and 30 minutes RT, balancing energy efficiency and mass retention.

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Published

2024-12-30

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

[1]
M. K. A. Mohd Fauzi, G. Hernaez, and R. Abdul Rasid, “Investigating the role of oxygen and residence time in the torrefaction of empty fruit bunch ”, J. Chem. Eng. Ind. Biotechnol., vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 37–44, Dec. 2024, Accessed: Mar. 15, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://journal.ump.edu.my/jceib/article/view/10901

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