Effects of operating parameters on co-gasification of coconut petioles and refuse-derived fuel

• Published in: Waste management & research 2022-05, Vol.40 (5), p.575-585
• Main Authors: Chommontha, Natvaree, Phongphiphat, Awassada, Wangyao, Komsilp, Patumsawad, Suthum, Towprayoon, Sirintornthep
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural industry; Calorific value; Cocos; Cold gas; Efficiency; Fixed bed reactors; Fixed beds; Flow rates; Flow velocity; Fuel mixtures; Fuel tests; Garbage; Gasification; Heating; High temperature; Hot Temperature; Nuclear fuels; Operating temperature; Producer gas; Refuse; Refuse derived fuels; Refuse Disposal - methods; Solid wastes; Temperature; Waste to energy
• ISSN: 0734-242X; 1096-3669
• DOI: 10.1177/0734242X211003974

Coconut agro-industry in the western region of Thailand generates a large amount of residues. This study investigated the energy production potential of discarded coconut petioles, with a focus on co-gasification with refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Gasification tests involving petioles, RDFs and their mixtures (25%, 50%, 75% or 100% by weight) were conducted in a laboratory-scale fixed bed reactor. Fuel samples of 5 g were gasified at 700°C–900°C for 60 minutes, using simulated air (79% N2 to 21% O2, by volume) as a gasifying agent. Gasification of petioles generated producer gas with lower heating values, estimated at 0.43–0.75 MJ Nm−3, while RDF produced 0.92–1.39 MJ Nm−3. Adding greater quantities of RDF to the fuel mixture resulted in an increase in the heating value of the producer gas and cold gas efficiency. The operating temperatures and gasifying-agent flow rates affected the efficiency of process differently, depending on the fuel composition. However, the maximum cold gas efficiency from both fuels was detected in tests conducted at 800°C. In co-gasification and pure refuse-derived-fuel tests, higher temperatures and gasifying-agent flow rates led to outputs with higher energy yields. Our findings suggested that co-gasification of petiole is a viable alternative waste-treatment technology for this region.