Properties of Torrefied Palm Kernel Shell via Microwave Irradiation

Abstract

This study describes the characteristic and thermal properties of torrefied palm kernel shell (PKS) by microwave irradiation pretreatment. The microwave power level (200, 300, 450, and 600 W) and processing time (4, 8, and 12 min) were used in this study. The pretreated samples were analyzed for mass and energy yield, calorific value, proximate and elemental composition, and thermal decomposition. Results showed that the char- acteristic of pretreated PKS was enhanced by increasing the microwave power level and processing the time. The oxygen content and O/C ratio of torrefied PKS were reduced by increasing the microwave power level. The carbon content of pretreated PKS, which was closed to the untreated MB coal properties with comparable calorific value, was obtained. The microwave power level of 450 W and processing time of 8 min were suitable to upgrade the PKS to a respectable quality feedstock. Thus, it can be concluded that the alteration in physical, chemical, and thermal properties of torrefied PKS discovered the potential of this feedstock to be applied in subsequent thermochemical conversion such as pyrolysis and gasification.