Production of Pellets from Furfural Residue and Sawdust Biomass: Effect of Moisture Content, Particle Size and a Binder on Pellet Quality and Energy Consumption

Pelletization of low-value-added biomass materials such as furfural residue (FR) and sawdust was performed by using a lab-scale pelletizer. Effects of moisture content (MC), particle size, and a binder on quality parameters (e.g., pellet density, strength, and hardness) and on energy consumption were investigated. Quality of both kinds of biomass pellets was analyzed and compared. MC was found to be the more dominant parameter affecting biomass pellet density, strength, and hardness of furfural residue biomass pellets (FRBPs) and sawdust biomass pellets (SBPs), followed by particle size and a binder. The highest particle density of 1.419 g/cm(3) for FRBPs (0.5-1.41 mm) and 1.243 g/cm(3) for SBPs (0.25-0 5 mm) was achieved at MC of 8% and 18%. The highest decrease in relaxed density was observed at MC of 13% for FRBPs and 28% for SBPs. True density of FRBPs and SBPs made from particles of 0.25-0.5 mm was found higher than 0.5-1.41 mm. The highest strength and hardness (6.29 MPa and 401.3 N/mm(2)) for FRBPs was achieved at 5.5% MC and particles 0.25-0.5 mm. Optimum strength (6.03 MPa) and hardness (96.06 N/mm(2)) for SBPs were obtained at 18% MC and particles 0.25-0.5 mm. The lowest energy consumption (16.16 J/g) for FRBPs (0.25-0.5 mm) and 20.22 J/g for SBPs (0.5-1.41 mm) was achieved at MC of 13% and 28%. Addition of binding agent to FR sawdust decreased energy consumption of FRBPs and SBPs. SBPs quality was enhanced with the use of a binder. Heating value of FRBPs was found higher than SBPs.

Automated summary

Pelletization of low-value-added biomass materials such as furfural residue and sawdust was carried out using a lab-scale pelletizer, exploring the effects of moisture content, particle size, and binder on parameters like pellet density, strength, and hardness. The study found that moisture content was the most significant factor influencing the quality of biomass pellets, followed by particle size and binder. Additionally, the use of a binder was found to enhance the quality of sawdust biomass pellets.