Energy demand continues to rise globally, while fossil fuel reserves are becoming increasingly limited and costly. This situation raises an important question: can Palm Shell Charcoal Briquettes serve as a reliable alternative to conventional fuels?
A recent study provides useful insight. Researchers transformed palm kernel shell waste into charcoal and pressed it into briquettes. As a result, the product delivered strong calorific values, positioning it as a practical renewable energy source.
How Are Palm Shell Charcoal Briquettes Made?
The researchers mixed palm kernel shells with tapioca adhesive in several ratios (90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25). They carbonized the shells at 400°C, 450°C, and 500°C to test the effect of temperature.
- After carbonization, they ground the shells to 60 mesh and pressed them into briquettes at 10 MPa.
- They then sun-dried the briquettes for four days.
- Finally, they measured the calorific value with a Bomb Calorimeter.
This process clearly shows how palm shells can be converted into high energy solid fuel with the right mixture and temperature.
Key Findings of the Research
1. Density and Combustion Performance
The briquettes reached a density of 0.77 g/cm³. Although the value was lower than some earlier studies, it still worked well for combustion. Less dense briquettes burn faster due to better airflow, while denser ones burn longer. Consequently, the density affects how consumers may choose to use the briquettes.
2. Biochar Yield in Pyrolysis
The study revealed that yield increased with higher carbonization temperatures:
- At 400°C, yield reached 57.86%.
- At 450°C, yield climbed to 63.50%.
- At 500°C, yield peaked at 66.23%.
Thus, increasing the temperature produced more biochar because lignocellulose decomposed more effectively.
3. Calorific Value of Palm Shell Charcoal Briquettes
The heating value provided the most important finding:
- The highest calorific value reached 25.86 MJ/kg.
- This occurred with a mixture of 85% PKSC and 15% tapioca adhesive at 400°C.
Moreover, this value was higher than firewood, peat, and lignite, though it remained lower than bituminous coal. Therefore, briquettes made from palm shells can serve as a cleaner and renewable alternative to low grade fuels.
Why Palm Shell Charcoal Briquettes Matter for Sustainable Energy
This research demonstrates several important benefits:
- Renewable source: It uses palm oil waste, reducing coal dependency.
- Environmental solution: It minimizes waste and prevents open burning.
- Economic value: It converts agricultural byproducts into marketable fuel.
- Household potential: It offers a practical alternative to wood or traditional charcoal.
In addition, briquettes made from palm shells can support small industries and rural communities by providing affordable and cleaner fuel options.
Conclusion: The Promise of Palm Shell Briquettes
The findings confirm that these charcoal briquettes made from palm shells can serve as an effective renewable energy source. With the right formulation 85% shell based charcoal and 15% tapioca adhesive at 400°C they reach a strong calorific value, making them suitable for sustainable solid fuel.
Therefore, this innovation not only contributes to Indonesia’s renewable energy targets but also provides practical applications for households and industries. Finally, it highlights how agricultural waste can become a valuable solution for the global energy transition.
At PT Hendry Berkah Eksporindo, we collaborate with trusted suppliers of palm shell biomass, a valuable raw material for charcoal briquettes and biochar production. If your business is seeking sustainable feedstocks for energy or agriculture, we are ready to supply and support your needs.
Contact us today to explore supply options, partnership opportunities, and long term collaboration.