Effects of portions, particle sizes and glycerin addition on the energy properties of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) fronds fuel pellets

Oil palm frond is one of the abundant agricultural residues, which has taken up to 70% of the oil palm plantation area which currently left rotting. Since it has a very limited utility, an initiative was taken by this study to investigate its suitability as biofuel fuel pellets. The frond was divided into 3 portions which are bottom, middle and top with 2 different particle sizes from each portion which are 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. However, oil palm fronds have low calorific value, so glycerin as a by-product from biodiesel production was used to enhance the energy content as well as a binder for the frond pellet. The glycerin is mixed with oil palm fronds in a certain ratio to produce fuel pellets. Physical properties, proximate properties, ultimate properties and energy content are analyzed as the parameters to determine the energy content of the fuel pellets. The glycerin content ranging from 15 to 45% (by weight), has enhanced the calorific value of the oil palm fronds from 16.25-17.77 MJ/kg to 16.73-22.72 MJ/kg after mixing and pelletizing. The results from the physical, proximate, ultimate and energy content analyses have met the fuel pellet requirement suggested by the European standard except for ash content which is higher than the standard. The highest of 22.72 MJ/kg heating value of fuel pellet is achieved from the middle portion of 1.5 mm particle size with the mixture ratio was 55:45; oil palm frond and glycerin respectively. The result from the mix of oil palm fronds and glycerin can be used as an alternative material for biomass energy sources.