Characteristics of wood pellet from 5 years old JPP teak (Tectona grandis L.f.)

Abstract

The use of renewable energy sources made from wood biomass processed in the form of wood pellets is needed to anticipate the decreasing of fossil energy (petroleum and coal). The wood biomass utilization is not only environmentally friendly and more sustainable, but also can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution, especially when used as power source for electricity generator. Compared to other countries, Indonesia has the potential as a major producer because it’s vast amount of forest and biodiversity that can be used as source of raw materials for wood pellets. With 2.44 million hectares forest area (including 1.22 million hectares of Teak plantation), Perum Perhutani has opportunity to develop energy wood. Large potential source is JPP (Jati Plus Perhutani) Teak wood harvested from first thinning (5 years old) and partly from second thinning (10 years old) which still inadequate for sawn timber. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of wood pellet from 5 years old JPP teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) as energy sources. Characteristics of wood pellet including the value of water content, calorific value, fly ash, ash content, density and sulfur content compared to the SNI 8021: 2014 quality standard. This research used CRD (Complete Random Desaign). The treatments on wood pellet making were of three different temperatures (175°C, 200°C and 225°C) applied at 2 timings (3 and 5 minutes). Samples of 5 years old JPP teak wood were obtained from KPH Cepu. The characteristics of JPP Teak wood pellets tested at the Laboratory of Timber Chemicals, Energy and NTFPs at the Forest Products Research and Development Center Bogor. Characteristics of JPP Teak wood pellets compared to national quality standards (SNI 8021: 2014) were water content (0.78 to 2.64%; max 10%), calorific value (4, 399 to 4, 585 Kcal/Kg; min 4, 000 Kcal/Kg), density (0.63 to 0.92 gr/cm3; min 0.8 gr/cm3), fly ash level (77.68 to 79.01%; max 80%), carbon content (17.16 up to 18.16%, min 14%), ash content (3.63 to 4.56%; max 1.2%) and sulfur content (0.01 to 0.02%; max 0.05%). The higher pressing temperature and time, tend to decreasing water content, sulfur content and fly ash content and increasing density and carbon content. The conclusion of this study was that 5-year-old JPP Teak wood can be used as raw material for making Wood Pellets which can meet national quality standards (SNI 8021: 2014) except for the ash content.