Potential Torrefaction of Tropical Forest Fruits Waste

Abstract

Biomass torrefaction can improve the quality of raw biomass as fuel. Tropical forest fruit waste that is not managed properly will become waste that contributes to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Conversion of tropical forest fruit waste into biomass fuel by torrefaction can be used as coal co-firing. In this research, torrefaction was carried out on the biomass from the cocoa pod shell, coffee husks, and mangosteen pod shell. The samples used in this study came from tropical forest fruits in Lampung Province. Samples were chopped and dried using the hot sun. The samples were then torrefied in a tubular reactor at temperatures of 250, 275, and 300°C and their calorific values were tested. Torrefaction at 275°C has increased the calorific value of tropical forest fruit waste to exceed the calorific value of sub-bituminous A. Torrefaction of tropical forest fruit waste has the potential to be used as fuel for co-firing coal in power plants. Thus, it can indirectly reduce the rate of CO2 emissions from power generation and waste accumulation. In addition, it also has the potential to become a competitive sustainable export commodity.