Abstract
Pelletization is a significant approach for the efficient utilization of biomass energy. Sunflower seed husk is a common solid waste in the process of oil production. The novelty of this study was to determine the parameters during production of a novel pellet made from sunflower seed husk. The energy consumption (W) and physical properties (bulk density (BD) and mechanical durability (DU)) of the novel pellet were evaluated and optimized at the laboratory by using a pelletizer and response surface methodology (RSM) under a controlled moisture content (4%–14%), compression pressure (100–200 MPa), and die temperature (70–170 °C). The results show that the variables of temperature, pressure, and moisture content of raw material are positively correlated with BD and DU. Increasing the temperature and moisture content of raw materials can effectively reduce W, while increasing the pressure has an adverse effect on W. The optimum conditions of temperature (150 °C), pressure (180 MPa), and moisture content (12%) led to a BD of 1117.44 kg/m3, DU of 98.8%, and W of 25.3 kJ/kg in the lab. Overall, although the nitrogen content was slightly high, the novel manufactured pellets had excellent performance based on ISO 17225 (International Organization for Standardization of 17225, Geneva, Switzerland, 2016). Thus, sunflower seed husk could be considered as a potential feedstock for biomass pelletization.
Highlights
Bioenergy sources play a pivotal role in current global strategies for partially replacing fossil fuels [1]
Some novel pellets made from different biomass residues such as beech sawdust [11], Scenedesmus microalgae [12], canola hull mixed meal [6], corncobs [13,14], wheat straw [15], and coir fibers [16] have been investigated, and those studies focused on how the characteristics and quality of the pellets
Sunflower seed husk contains more cellulose and hemicellulose and less lignin; cellulose and hemicellulose account for 65%–67%, lignin accounts for 20%–27%, and extractives account for 5.3%–5.5%
Summary
Bioenergy sources play a pivotal role in current global strategies for partially replacing fossil fuels [1]. The utilization of residues and other loose biomass over open fire is highly inefficient due to the lack of sufficient information regarding biomass fuel utilization technologies [2,3]. Modern utilization of biomass residues for energy includes solid fuel and liquid biofuel production [4,5]. Pelletization is a solid fuel densification process through which the density of the biomass material can be increased to up to 1000–1200 kg/m3 of loose biomass and the volume can be reduced by 8–10 times [6,7,8]. Pelletization of biomass is an attractive option for efficient use of bioenergy [9,10]. Some novel pellets made from different biomass residues such as beech sawdust [11], Scenedesmus microalgae [12], canola hull mixed meal [6], corncobs [13,14], wheat straw [15], and coir fibers [16] have been investigated, and those studies focused on how the characteristics and quality of the pellets (bulk density, mechanical durability, energy consumption, and net calorific value [17,18])
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
