Torrefaction of Oil Palm Kernel Shell

By:Mr Darren Chen

Position:Project Sales Director

Nov 29, 2021

Palm Kernel Shell (PKS), one of the byproducts in CPO mills, is commonly treated as a main biomass fuel. Japan and South Korea, the largest two bio-fuel consumption countries in Asia, import millions of tons of PKS each year from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. PKS is also getting traction in Europe as an attractive alternative biomass fuel.Palm Kernel Shell (PKS), one of the byproducts in CPO mills, is commonly treated as a main biomass fuel. Japan and South Korea, the largest two bio-fuel consumption countries in Asia, import millions of tons of PKS each year from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. PKS is also getting traction in Europe as an attractive alternative biomass fuel.

PKS features on high density, bulk transportation, sustainably sourced, and traceable. While burning the PKS, there are the emissions of dark smoke and the carry-over of partially carbonized fibrous particulates due to incomplete combustion. Even though PKS has similar calorific values as wood pellets, its low grindability makes its cofiring performance poor. The piled-up storage may lead to spontaneous combustion and biodegradation. Nevertheless, these problems can be tackled through a mild thermochemical treatment, Torrefaction.

Raw PKS analysis report:

Test Parameters	Results
GCV Kcal/Kg, ADB, ASTM D.5865-13	4465
NCV Kcal/Kg, AR, ASTM D.5865-13	4195
Total Moisture % AR	10.2
Total Sulfur % ADB	0.05
Fixed Carbon % ADB	16.7
Volatile Matter % ADB	68.5
Ash Content % ADB	1.0

The torrefied PKS has higher Calorific Value, Higher Energy Density, Lower Moisture Content, Less Emission, etc. Apart from these common quality improvements, the torrefied PKS has outstanding hydrophobicity, so that it can be transported in bulk and stored outdoor like coal without decomposition. Meanwhile, it becomes easier to make powder from PKS, so that the desired particle size for cofiring is easier to obtain. The least but not last, the torrefaction process greatly reduces the risk of spontaneous combustion, ensuring storage safety.

SIMEC conducted test production of torrefied PKS at three typical reaction temperatures using innovative torrefaction reactor.
Test results for three sorts of torrefied PKS are as follows:

Torrefaction Temperature	200℃	250℃	300℃
Lower Calorific Value kcal/kg	4610	4900	5710
Moisture Content %	0.9	0.9	0.3
Fixed Carbon (wt%)	22.5	27.4	43.5
Volatile Matter (wt%)	74.6	68.9	52.3
Ash Content %	2.0	2.8	3.9
HGI	14.5	17.0	21.3

SIMEC has vast expertise and rich experience in biomass torrefaction. We are committed to furnishing our clients with crafted engineering solutions and full-fledged biomass torrefaction equipment.
For more information about torrefaction, please email to info@simecpellet.com.

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Torrefaction of Oil Palm Kernel Shell