Optimisation of ash forming elements removal from empty fruit bunches using koh treatment incorporated by ultrasonic method

Mah, Yoke Chen (2024) Optimisation of ash forming elements removal from empty fruit bunches using koh treatment incorporated by ultrasonic method. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPAS 2024 40.pdf Download (1MB)

Abstract

The presence of ash forming elements in empty fruit bunches (EFB) poses challenges such as reduced combustion efficiency, heightened equipment wore and corrosion, increased emissions of pollutants, compromised energy quality, and limitations on the efficient utilisation of EFB for sustainable bioproducts manufacturing. Hence, the research investigated the feasibility of ultrasonic method with several integrated conditions to remove ash forming elements within EFB through a quantitative approach. Central Composite Design (CCD) with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) involving numeric factors combined experimental design principles with statistical analysis and mathematical modelling for understanding and optimising the complex system of the removal rate in term of weight loss before and after ultrasound treatments, through the quantitative manipulation of three numeric factors, namely the concentration of potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, treatment temperature and treatment duration. The findings revealed the weight of the EFB after ultrasonic treatment with optimised conditions (immersion in 1.5 M of KOH solution at 60 °C for 43.5 minutes) to remove ash forming elements within EFB decreased in 29.75%, contributing to the existing knowledge in the field of ultrasonication on EFB. The implications of this research were discussed in the context of biomass energy. This thesis concluded with the ultrasonic method with combinations of solution concentration and treatment temperature, was effective in the removal of ash forming elements within EFB because of a marked EFB weight reduction.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Fakulti Perhutanan dan Alam Sekitar
Depositing User:	Ms. ROHANA ALIAS
Date Deposited:	14 May 2024 07:24
Last Modified:	05 Aug 2024 04:23
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1804

Actions (login required)

View Item