A new waste-to-energy approach could help palm oil mills turn large amounts of agricultural waste into valuable products such as electricity, industrial fuel, and carbon-storing biochar.
Researchers reporting in the International Journal of Agriculture Innovation, Technology and Globalisation say the system could help reduce waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create new sources of income for the palm oil industry.
The technology is designed to process palm kernel cake (PKC), a byproduct left over after palm oil production.
Large quantities of this material are generated every year at palm oil mills, particularly in Malaysia. While PKC has some existing uses, much of it remains an underutilized resource.
The researchers explored a concept known as a “Factory in Factory” (FiF) system. Instead of transporting waste to another location for treatment, the waste-processing equipment is installed directly at the palm oil mill.
This allows the waste to be converted into useful products on-site, reducing transportation costs and making the process more efficient.
At the heart of the system is a technology called pyrolysis molecularization extraction technology (PMET). Pyrolysis is a process that heats organic materials to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. Because there is no oxygen, the material does not burn. Instead, it breaks down into several useful products.
The PMET system can process about 300 kilograms of biomass every hour. During this process, it produces combustible gas, biochar, and a liquid known as bio-oil or “green tar.”
Biochar is a charcoal-like material rich in carbon. It has attracted growing attention because it can store carbon for long periods, helping to keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Biochar can also improve soil quality and has potential uses in pollution control and environmental cleanup.
The liquid bio-oil produced by the process may also have significant value. It can be used as an industrial fuel or serve as a raw material for producing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical products. This could provide a renewable alternative to some products currently made from petroleum.
The system also includes a second component called the Gas Generator Assemble Cabinet (GGAC). This unit uses the gas produced during pyrolysis to generate electricity. According to the researchers, the system could produce around 130 megawatts of electricity per month.
This electricity could be used to power the mill itself, reducing energy costs. Any surplus power could potentially be sold back to the national electricity grid, creating an additional source of revenue.
The researchers believe that combining waste treatment, energy generation, and valuable byproducts in a single integrated system could help make palm oil production more sustainable while turning what was once considered waste into a profitable resource.
Source: KSR.
