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Effect of Alkaline Pretreatment on the Fuel Properties of Torrefied Biomass from Rice Husk

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  • Chi-Hung Tsai

    (Department of Resources Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan)

  • Yun-Hwei Shen

    (Department of Resources Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan)

  • Wen-Tien Tsai

    (Graduate Institute of Bioresources, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan)

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass from rice husk (RH) is a renewable resource for fuel production, but it could pose ash-related challenges. This work focused on investigating the effects of pretreatment at different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (i.e., 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 M) on the calorific values and ash contents of treated RH products, and also finding the optimal torrefaction conditions. The results showed that alkaline pretreatment by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) reduced the ash content in the RH samples by over 85 wt%. Due to its relatively excellent calorific values and low ash content, the RH sample with 0.25 M NaOH pretreatment (i.e., RH-25) was chosen as a starting feedstock in the subsequent torrefaction experiments as a function of 240–360 °C for holding time of 0–90 min. In addition, the surface properties by scanning electron microscopy—energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were also used to observe the elemental compositions preliminarily. Based on the fuel properties of the torrefied RH products, the optimal torrefaction conditions can be found at around 280 °C for holding 30 min. As compared to the calorific value of the RH-25 (i.e., 18.74 MJ/kg) and its mass yield (i.e., 0.588), the calorific value, enhancement factor and energy yield of the optimal product were 28.97 MJ/kg, 1.55 and 0.91, respectively. Although the resulting product has a high calorific value like coal, it could have slight potential for slagging and fouling tendency and particulate matter emissions due to the relatively high contents of silicon (Si) and sodium (Na), based on the results of EDS and FTIR.

Suggested Citation

  • Chi-Hung Tsai & Yun-Hwei Shen & Wen-Tien Tsai, 2023. "Effect of Alkaline Pretreatment on the Fuel Properties of Torrefied Biomass from Rice Husk," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-10, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:2:p:679-:d:1027323
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Steven, Soen & Restiawaty, Elvi & Bindar, Yazid, 2021. "Routes for energy and bio-silica production from rice husk: A comprehensive review and emerging prospect," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
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    1. Izabella Maj & Krzysztof Matus, 2023. "Aluminosilicate Clay Minerals: Kaolin, Bentonite, and Halloysite as Fuel Additives for Thermal Conversion of Biomass and Waste," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-17, May.

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