Preparation of an alternate solid fuel from alcohol distillery stillage

Abstract

The article describes preparation of an alternative solid fuel from corn alcohol distillery stillage, which is the waste of the alcohol industry. We determined the calorific values of the dried alcohol distillery stillage and experimental briquettes, which were made of it by pressing at high pressure and temperature. The average value of the higher calorific value of the dried alcohol distillery stillage is 19545 kJ kg–1, while this value for the produced briquettes is in the range of 22445 to 26594 kJ kg–1. The established calorific values exceed those of analogues, which are widely used for the producing of alternative solid fuels (miscanthus and energy willow). Solid fuel prepared from corn alcohol distillery stillage can be used both in a solid form and in a dried one. The proposed method for preparation of the solid fuel allows providing additional utilization of alcohol distillery stillage and rational use of secondary raw materials of alcohol production.