Torrefaction's Optimization of Multiple Responses Analysis on Torrefied Biochar from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

Abstract

In this study, biomass resource is chosen as a renewable energy source based on the abundance of oil palm waste generated monthly. The aim of this study is to find an optimal value of torrefection process on the torrefied biochar from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) in order to produce biomass energy source by using the Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM). The OPEFB has been torrefied based on the three independent variables which are particle size (250, 500 and 750µm), holding temperature (200, 250 and 300°C) and residence time (30, 60 and 90 minutes). Torrefied biochar are being optimized in regards of six dependent variables which are mass yield, moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon and calorific value. The optimization process from the RSM shows that the most optimal value for OPEFB torrefied biochar is at 750µm (particle size), 274°C (holding temperature) and 90 minutes (residence time) of torrefaction process in order to produce a high energy content of biomass.