Data sugarcane baggase biopelet_susilo et al
Background: Bio-pellets are promising bioenergy sources because of their renewable nature; however, issues such as incomplete internal combustion, high ash content, which consist of mineral content (i.e K, Si, P, S, Fe, Na, Mg, Ca, Al, and Ti), slag formation, corrosion, and inconsistent or low-heat radiation pose significant challenges. Finding common ground To solve this issue, the use of additives and catalysts, such as natural zeolites and NaOH, can be considered. Consequently, this study assessed the potential of using sugarcane bagasse as a bio-pellet feedstock and enhanced its quality by blending it with natural zeolite and NaOH in varying ratios.
Methods: This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with two variables: particle size (20- and 40-mesh) and blending ratios of sugarcane bagasse, zeolite, and NaOH (100:0:0, 98.4:0.1:1.5, 97.7:0.3:2.0, and 97:0.5:2.5). The evaluated parameters included physicochemical and thermal properties, morphology, and functional units.
Results: The results indicated that both particle size and the addition of zeolite and NaOH influenced the characteristics of the produced bio-pellets. No significant differences in the morphological characteristics and functional units were detected among the formulated sugarcane bagasse with or without zeolite and NaOH. Most of the tested sugarcane bagasse feedstocks matched the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 8675:2018) for bio-pellets. The study underscored that including zeolite and NaOH improved the burning rate and heat radiation of sugarcane bagasse bio-pellets.
Conclusions: The feedstock sample with a blending ratio of 98.4:0.1:1.5% (sugarcane bagasse:zeolite), whether with 20- or 40-mesh particle size, exhibited superior thermal characteristics and heat radiation with a lower silica concentration compared to other samples. Consequently, this formulation can be an alternative to produce a bio-pellet with anti-slagging, anti-corrosion, and high-heat-radiation properties. However, comprehensive evaluation is recommended to improve the potential for scale-up and commercial development.
