Bagasse Pellets Research Articles

Removal of fluoride from groundwater by chemically functionalized sugarcane bagasse biochar and bagasse pellets in a fixed-bed sorption system

This study aimed to investigate the design parameters for a filter intended to remove fluoride from groundwater. Water fluoridation notably influences groundwater, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas that exacerbate the challenge of availability of safe drinking water from Groundwater resources in numerous developing nations. Experiments were conducted to determine the fluoride concentrations in groundwater sources in the arid region of Maharashtra, India. Samples were collected from seven villages in three districts of Maharashtra. This study utilized chemically functionalized sugarcane bagasse biochar adsorbent (SCBB), which is low-cost and easily accessible, to remove fluoride from groundwater in a column setup. The recommended design parameters for the packed-bed column flow rate (Q) are 100 ml min−1 and bed height (d) is 30 cm.

Evaluation of sugar cane bagasse hydrothermal liquefaction products for co-gasification with coal as green coal pellet production

This study investigates the production and properties of green coal pellets formed by combining hydrochar and coal in different ratios (3,1, 1:1, and 1:3). It was found that higher ratios of hydrochar to coal resulted in increased mechanical strength of the green coal pellets, highlighting the binding properties inherent in hydrochar. Furthermore, all the green coal and hydrochar pellets exhibited remarkable hydrophobic qualities. Among the different ratios tested, the green coal pellets composed of equal amounts of hydrochar and coal demonstrated the most favourable pyrolysis behaviour based on these indices. The gasification reactivities (R50%) at 1000 °C were measured as 107.9 min−1 for hydrochar pellets, 28.2 min−1 for sugarcane bagasse pellets, and 17.7 min−1 for coal. By blending coal with hydrochar, the green coal pellets exhibited improved pyrolysis and gasification properties compared to coal alone. Notably, the synergistic effect observed in the green coal samples increased with higher ratios of hydrochar.

Batch and continuous packed bed column studies on biosorption of nickel (II) by sugarcane bagasse

Biosorption of Ni (II) ions from aqueous solution in both batch and fixed column mode of operation was investigated in this study. Batch experiment parameters, initial pH (2–7), contact time (10 min to 240 min), sugarcane bagasse mass (0.25 g–3 g) and initial Ni (II) ion concentrations (20–100 ppm) on biosorption of Ni (II) were studied. Langmuir, Temkin and Freundlich isotherm models and pseudo first order and second order kinetic models were used to evaluate isotherm and kinetic parameters. The fixed bed column experiment was conducted with an initial Ni (II) ion concentration of 100 ppm at a bed depth of 10 cm and 5 cm using sugarcane bagasse pellets. Breakthrough time was found to be 1500 and 600 min for chosen bed height. The results from the study were aimed to contribute in understanding Ni (II) biosorption process, mechanism and parameters influencing biosorption in batch and packed bed column. These studies have demonstrated sugarcane bagasse as a potential biosorbent for Ni (II) biosorption.

Effect of process parameters and raw material characteristics on the physical and mechanical quality of sugarcane bagasse pellets

Nearly 33 million tons of sugarcane bagasse are produced in China every year, and a large amount of this is wasted. Pelletization is an efficient method of utilizing excess bagasse. This study uses a specially designed pelletizing device to identify how process parameters and biomass characteristics affect the densification of sugarcane bagasse. We used four-factor Box-Behnken experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM) to predict pellet density, specific energy consumption, and the radial maximum pressure of bagasse pellets and how they were affected by temperature (100, 140, and 180 °C), feedstock moisture content (6, 9, and 12%), particle size (0.5, 1.0, and 1.4 mm), and holding time (2, 3, and 4 min). Our results demonstrated that both temperature and moisture content significantly affected all responses evaluated, and that these interactions significantly affected pellet density and specific energy consumption. Temperature is the crucial factor determining the quality of bagasse pellets. High temperatures (140–180 °C) resulted in homogeneous, smooth, and shiny pellet surfaces, which had no cracks. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated a close connection between fibers at high temperatures. Particle size affected all responses except pellet density, while the influence of holding time on pellet density and radial maximum pressure was significant. RSM models determined the following optimal parameters: temperature (180 °C), moisture content (9%), particle size (0.5 mm), and holding time (3 min). Under optimal conditions, the pellet density, specific energy consumption, and radial maximum pressure of sugarcane bagasse pellets could reach 1172 kg m−3, 7.1 kJ kg−1, and 2539.4 N, respectively.

Zero-waste biomass gasification: Use of residues after gasification of bagasse pellets as CO2 adsorbents

Biomass gasification is a prominent technology for energy production at small and medium scales, especially in developing countries where biomass feedstock is abundantly available. The expansion of this technology, however, has been hindered due to the low conversion efficiency, generating important amounts of solid waste after the process. Finding suitable applications for residues after gasification is thus crucial for the sustainable development of this technology. This study investigated the characteristics of the residues after gasification of bagasse pellets on a semi-industrial scale gasifier and their potential for use as CO2 adsorbents. Results indicated a smooth operation of the 20 kWe-gasification system (PP20 - All Power Lab) with the new feedstock. The residues after gasification taken at different locations showed heterogeneity in terms of physicochemical characteristics and morphology, but still contained high carbon content and diverse carbon structure. The high specific surface area and pore volume of some residues are comparable with commercial activated carbon products. The optimum CO2 adsorption performance was 2.8 mmol g−1 at 25 °C, which exceeded a wide range of other adsorbents. Under extreme industrial conditions (100 °C, 15% CO2 in N2), the CO2 capture capacity still reached 2.6 wt% of adsorbent, thereby proving the great potential for use of residues after bagasse gasification as CO2 adsorbents in practice. The result would contribute to an idea for a “zero-waste” gasification system and a sustainable approach for the production of CO2 adsorbents.

Orange Bagasse Pellets as a Carbon Source for Biobutanol Production.

Due to the environmental concerns, the conversion of lignocellulosic waste can be the key to produce bioproducts and biofuels such as butanol. This study aimed to present and evaluate orange bagasse pellets (OBP) as a carbon source to produce butan-1-ol production via ABE fermentation using Clostridium beijerinckii. These bagasse pellets were characterized, holocellulose (18.99%), alfacellulose (5.37%), hemicellulose (13.62%), lignin (6.16%), pectin (7.21%), protein (3.14%), and was tested under three different pretreatments, which were the following: (a) ultrasound, (b) autohydrolysis, and (c) acid-diluted hydrolysis followed by enzymatic hydrolysis to verify an amount of fermentable total reducing sugars. ANOVA was used and pretreatments followed by enzymatic hydrolysis do not enhance a significant amount of available sugars compared to raw bagasse. The ABE fermentation was carried out in batch reactors at 37°C under agitation of 160rpm and anaerobic conditions, using OBP without treatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. Using a non-mutant microorganism, the fermentation achieved butyric acid yields of 3762.68mgL-1 for control and 2488.82mgL-1 for OBP and the butanol production was 63.86mgL-1 and 196.80mgL-1 for OBP and the control (glucose) assay, respectively. The results of this solvent's production have shown that OBP has the potential for ABE fermentation and a promising feedstock.

Antioxidant Capacity, Total Phenolic Compounds and Fatty Acids Composition in Walnut Oil and Bagasse Pellets Produced at Different Parameters of the Screw Press

Different rotational speeds and nozzle diameters of screw press were used to process walnut kernels. To evaluate the influence of pressing conditions on the quality of walnut oil and bagasse pellets the oil pressing temperature, yield of oil, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and fatty acid composition were measured. The results show that the pressing at different conditions affected the antioxidant capacity and TPC of either bagasse pellets and pressed oil. Higher values of antioxidant capacity and TPC were measured in bagasse pellets than in pressed oils. Higher amount of pressed oil was yielded by using lower nozzle diameter, however, by lowering the nozzle diameter the oil pressing temperature was rising, which affected the fatty acids. Positive correlations with oil pressing temperatures were calculated at saturated fatty acids, while the correlation coefficients of polyunsaturated fatty acids were positive, but not significant. Monounsaturated fatty acids were negatively affected by higher oil pressing temperatures showing, that monounsaturated fatty acids were more susceptible to higher temperatures than polyunasturated and saturated fatty acids.

Numerical modeling of the sugarcane bagasse gasification in a fast fluidized bed reactor

This article presents results for Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) tests for sugarcane bagasse drying and devolatilization, for five experimental tests for the gasification of sugarcane pellets in a Circulating Fluidized Bed gasifier pilot plant and for a Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling to describe the sugarcane bagasse gasification process. Initially, TGA tests were conducted to obtain kinetic parameters to describe the drying and devolatilization of sugarcane bagasse pellets, providing activation energies for sugarcane bagasse drying and devolatilization. Experimental tests were conducted for a bed temperature of 850 °C, equivalence ratio ranging from 0.25 to 0.29 and for a steam-to-biomass mass flow ratio of 1.0 and 1.2. The kinetic parameters for drying and devolatilization obtained in the TGA tests and a stoichiometric equation proposed here for sugarcane bagasse devolatilization are employed in a CFD code together with kinetic correlations from the literature for the remaining reactions occurring during the gasification process. The conditions of the experimental tests are simulated using a methodology based on a 3D CFD Euler–Euler model to describe the multiphase, multi species, heat, and mass transfer phenomena. Three gasification models are investigated and the predicted syngas composition from numerical simulation is compared with experimental data values. The gasification model with the smallest deviation with respect to the experimental values is used to simulate the other experimental tests and to evaluate the axial behavior quantities of interest.

Complete Parametric Study of Bagasse Pellets During High-Temperature Steam Gasification

Abstract A complete parametric study of bagasse pellets under high-temperature steam gasification in relevant industrial operating conditions was investigated. Regarding thermal behaviors, the maximum rate of weight loss (Rmax = 0.55%/°C) occurred at the temperature Tmax = 305 °C. The final pyrolysis temperature and heating rate were proportional to the mechanical strength, the bulk density, as well as the char yield and energy yield. However, the changes were not significant after 600 °C. Regarding steam gasification kinetics, an increase from 850 to 1000 °C and from 0.1 to 0.4 atm accelerated 10 times and two times the conversion rate of bagasse pellet char, respectively. Gasification kinetics of a pellet char produced at 2000 °Cmin−1 was 1.4 higher compared with a pellet char produced at 5 °C min−1. An empirical model that takes into account all the changes in the reactive surface could successfully predict the conversion of the bagasse pellet char during high-temperature steam gasification. Experimental results and the kinetic model proposed could be useful for the calculation of industrial or academic codes, necessary for the conception of new efficient gasifiers.

A carbon footprint assessment of multi‐output biorefineries with international biomass supply: a case study for the Netherlands

AbstractThe efficient use of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of advanced fuels and bio‐based materials has become increasingly relevant. In the EU, regulatory developments are stimulating the mobilization and production of bio‐based chemicals / materials and biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass. We used an attributional life‐cycle assessment approach based on region‐specific characteristics to determine the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) performance of different supply‐chain configurations with internationally sourced lignocellulosic biomass (stem wood, forest residues, sawmill residues, and sugarcane bagasse) from the USA, the Baltic States (BS), and Brazil (BR) for the simultaneous production of lactide and ethanol in a biorefinery located in the Netherlands (NL). The results are compared with a biorefinery that uses locally cultivated sugar beets. We also compared GHG emissions savings from the supply‐chain configurations with the minimum GHG saving requirements in the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and relevant fossil‐based counterparts for bio‐based materials. The GHG emissions ‘from cradle to factory gate’ vary between 692 g CO2eq/kglactide (sawmill residues pellets from the BS) and 1002 g CO2eq/kglactide (sawmill chips from the USA) for lactide and between 15 g CO2eq/MJethanol (sawmill residues pellets from the BS) and 28 g CO2eq/MJethanol (bagasse pellets from BR) for ethanol. Upstream GHG emissions from the conversion routes have a relatively small impact compared with biomass conversion to lactide and ethanol. The use of woody biomass yields better GHG emissions performance for the conversion system than sugarcane bagasse or sugar beets as result of the higher lignin content that is used to generate electricity and heat internally for the system. Only the sugar beet from the NL production route is able to comply with RED II GHG savings criteria (65% by 2021). The GHG savings from polylactide acid (a derivate of lactic acid) are high and vary depending on choice of fossil‐based counterpart, with the highest savings reported when compared to polystyrene (PS). These high savings are mostly attributed to the negative emission credit from the embedded carbon in the materials. Several improvement options along the conversion routes were explored. Efficient feedstock supply chains (including pelletization and large ocean vessels) also allow for long‐distance transportation of biomass and conversion in large‐scale biorefineries close to demand centers with similar GHG performance to biorefineries with a local biomass supply. © 2019 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Performance comparison between the use of wood and sugarcane bagasse pellets in a Stirling engine micro-CHP system

The use of locally available agricultural residues is an interesting alternative for residential heat and power generation based on the Stirling engine technology. However, some biomass with high ash content (agricultural residues) may cause operational problems and impact on the performance of the Stirling engine and the overall CHP system. This work is focused on the evaluation of useful parameters of a CHP system based on a 20 kWth pellet burner, a 1 kWe Stirling engine and a 20 kWth residential boiler using wood and sugar cane bagasse pellets. Similar temperatures in the Stirling hot end were found when using both fuels under steady-state and transient conditions. CO emission levels when using bagasse were lower than for wood pellets but slightly higher levels of NOx and higher accumulated ash were found. A fouling factor of the Stirling heat exchanger was found to be around 1.1 m2 °C/kW after two cycles (6 h) and 3.2 m2 °C/kW after three cycles (9 h) of operation when using wood pellets. A linear relation between the Stirling power output and the accumulated ash was assessed which was used to predict a longer operation time using bagasse pellets. This shows that after three cycles of operation with bagasse pellets, without removing accumulated ash, the CHP efficiency is still kept over 83% and for wood pellets, the CHP efficiency was kept over 90%.

<b>Sugarcane bagasse pellets: characterization and comparative analysis

This paper presents a study carried out in a Brazilian pellet industry in order to determine the main properties of sugarcane bagasse pellets. Materials and methods are in accordance with standards from the Associacao Brasileira de Normas Tecnicas (ABNT), Agencia de Protecao Ambiental (EPA) and European Pellets Standard. The pellet properties mean values found in this study are: diameter (9.70 mm), length (22.70 mm), bulk density (726.32 kgm -3 ), mechanical durability (98.2%), moisture (5.49%), heating value (16.0 MJ kg -1 ), ash content (8.70%), fixed carbon (14.03%), volatile matter (77.27%), nitrogen (0.28%), sulphur (0.02%) and chlorine (< 0.02 %). The results are compared with those obtained from the literature and discussed according to international standards for biomass pellets, wood pellets and solid biofuel. The comparative analysis showed that there are differences between the results found in our study in comparison with other studies and international standards. The paper also presents the production process energy consumption and cost analysis.

Options for Generation of Sustainable Energy: Production of Pellets Based on Combinations Between Lignocellulosic Biomasses

Brazil has a highlighted position in comparison to other countries in relation to the amount of renewable raw materials, as the lignocellulosic wastes, and technologies for production of alternative energy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of lignocellulosic wastes such as: from soybean culture, sugarcane bagasse and eucalyptus wood for pellets production focusing the generation of heat energy, and classify them according to the commercialization standards. The properties as heating value, bulk density, energetic density and proximate analysis of the biomasses were evaluated. The pellets were produced with diameter of 6 mm in a horizontal planar array pelletizer. The raw material used generated pellets with eucalyptus and soybean wastes mixed in different proportions, as well was done for sugarcane bagasse and soybean wastes. These mixtures were compared to pellets composed by 100% soybean wastes, 100% sugarcane bagasse and commercial pellets produced with pine wood. The pellets were evaluated through the physical properties (moisture, bulk density and unitary density), energetic properties (heating value and energetic density), chemical properties (volatiles, fixed carbon and ash) and mechanical properties (hardness and mechanical durability). Among the pellets produced, the 100% sugarcane bagasse highlighted by high values for mechanical durability (96.64%), hardness (39.46 kgf) and energetic densities, besides low production of fines (0.18%). Pellets composed by the tested mixtures obtained higher values for heating value, mechanical durability, hardness and lower fines and ashes content in comparison to the pellets composed only by soybean wastes. The increasing of eucalyptus sawdust percentage in the pellets decreased their ashes content in comparison to the 100% soybean wastes (from 26.72 to 14.03%). The sugarcane bagasse pellets showed similar properties to the commercial ones.

Introduction of sugar cane bagasse pellets in diets devoid of long fiber for feedlots finished steers

The use of diets without roughage in beef feedlot has become common in recent years due to practicality, feasibility and availability of inputs. However, the introduction of roughage that does not harm the operation of the feeding management can bring health benefits to animals and economic gain. This study aimed to evaluate the productive and economic performance of steers finished in feedlot, fed three levels of sugar cane bagasse pellets (SBP) in diets without long-fiber. The treatments consisted of 0%, 7% and 14% of SBP in a mixture of concentrate, comprising 80% whole corn grain plus 20% of a protein core. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications. The diet with 0% of SBP promoted lower dry matter intake and weight gain. Feed conversion was similar between treatments, with an average of 6.21 kg-1. The lower dry matter digestibility was found in the diet with 14% of SBP. The introduction of SBP did not change the rumination, averaging 1.9 hours day-1. Animals fed 7% of SBP showed higher fat thickness. Due to the numerical differences between treatments for feed conversion in housing and daily cost of food, the profit margin was maximal in the diet with 0% of SBP, with values of R$ 338.1; R$ 311.6 and R$ 305,1 per animal, respectively 0%, 7% and 14% of SBP. The introduction of SBP promoted improvements in production performance, but did not improve the economic results of steers finished in feedlot.

Comparison of the thermal power availability of different agricultural residues using a residential boiler

This study presents a comparison of combustion performance, losses, and efficiency at steady-state and transient conditions for different biomass types in a residential boiler. The types of biomass used were O6 and O8 mm wood pellets, O6 mm sugarcane bagasse pellets, O6 mm sunflower husk pellets, and Brazil nut shells. The comparison in the development of the temperature in the combustion chamber during the start-up revealed that the O6 mm wood pellets ignite and propagate faster than the rest of the biomass fuels due to their smaller size compared with O8 mm wood pellets and lower ash content compared with the rest of the biomass sorts. Thermal power output and efficiencies under steady-state and transient conditions were calculated by the direct method, i.e., by measuring the heat recovery by the water boiler, and the indirect method, i.e., by measuring the heat losses. By using the indirect method, the availability of the flue gas thermal power during the start-up was seen more in detail than when the other method was applied. When comparing both methods as tools for boiler efficiency evaluation for different fuel types, the discrepancy of the resulting efficiencies between is larger when there are higher amounts of chemical losses in the boiler. Therefore, this method shows good agreement also for bagasse pellets but is, without modification, proposed not to be valid for fuels emitting higher amount of carbon monoxide (CO). Boiler efficiencies reached class 3 boilers according to EN 303-5 (>74.8 %) for all biomass sorts.

Identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in kernels, oil and bagasse pellets of common walnut (Juglans regia L.)

Individual phenolic compounds, total phenolic content and antioxidant potential were assessed in kernels, oils and bagasse pellets (residues of oil pressing) of different walnut cultivars. Twenty-seven phenolic compounds were detected in kernels and pellets conducting high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The main polyphenolic subclass comprised hydrolysable tannins, which accounted approximately 60.80% (kernels) and 61.66% (pellets) of the total phenolics identified (TPI). Walnut oil was poor in phenolics and contained only six different compounds but due to their low content (from 0.15 to 1.44μgg−1) just two compounds have been identified. Glansreginin A and glansreginin B were detected in all analyzed walnut products. A comparison of average amount of total phenolic content revealed that walnut oil contains as much as 154 fold less phenolics (0.05mg GAE g−1 FW) compared to kernels (7.7mg GAE g−1 FW) or pellets (7.9mg GAE g−1 FW).

HPLC-MSn identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in hazelnut kernels, oil and bagasse pellets

The paper reports the phenolic content of kernels, bagasse pellets (residue of oil pressing) and oils from five different cultivars and a mix of cultivars. Phenolic compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Two compounds, glansreginin A and glansreginin B, were detected for the first time in hazelnuts. The main polyphenolic subclass comprised of mono- and oligomeric flavan 3-ols, which accounted between 34.2 and 58.3% in hazelnut kernels and between 36.7 and 48.6% in pellets of the total phenolics detected. In hazelnut oils four compounds have been detected, their content levels ranged from 0.97 to 0.01μgg−1. Total phenolic content ranged from 491.2 to 1700.4mgGAEkg−1 in kernels, from 848.4 to 1148.5mgGAEkg−1 in pellets and only from 0.14 to 0.25mgGAEg−1 in oils. The percentage of radical scavenging activity ranged from 60.0 to 96.4% for kernels, 63.0 to 73.2% for pellets and from 17.7 to 29.9% for oil. The study provides clear evidence on high phenolic contents and similarly high antioxidant potential of hazelnut kernels and bagasse pellets. The latter could be used as ingredients in cooking and baking or even for production of plant-based pharmaceuticals.

Combustion of agricultural residues: An experimental study for small-scale applications

Energy services could be greatly improved by using of residues from local food industries in small-scale combustion units. Wood pellets are a reliant and proven fuel to be used in small-scale combustion units. However, these units should preferably be able to use different types of biomass depending what it is locally available. Therefore, studies have been focused on exploring the suitability of using agricultural residues for small-scale heat and power generation using direct combustion. This study targets to compare the combustion of different agricultural residues in a single unit designed for wood pellets. The different biomass fuels used are Ø6mm and Ø8mm wood pellets, Ø6mm bagasse pellets, Ø6mm sunflower husk (SFH) pellets and Brazil nut (BN) shells. The results reveal a decrease in the fuel power input, higher oxygen levels in the flue gases and shorter cycles for ash removal when using the agricultural residues. The excess air ratio was calculated based on a mass balance and compared with a standard equation showing a good agreement. CO and NO emission levels as well as the relative conversion of fuel-C to CO were higher for the BN shells and SFH pellets in comparison to the other biomass types. SO2 emission was estimated based on the analysis of unburned sulfur in ash and mass balances; the higher estimated levels corresponded to the BN shells and SFH pellets. All the biomass sorts presented over 95% relative conversion of fuel-C to CO2. Wood pellets and BN shells presented the highest amount of unburned carbon in ash relative to the fuel-C. The relative conversion of fuel-N to NO and fuel-S to SO2 were higher for wood pellets. Bagasse pellets showed similar emission levels and relative conversion efficiency to wood pellets.

In situ catalytic upgrading of bio-oil using supported molybdenum carbide

The aim of this work is to improve some of the less desirable properties of bio-oil via the catalytic fast pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse using a novel supported molybdenum carbide (20wt.% Mo2C/Al2O3) catalyst. Proximate and elemental analysis of the bagasse were carried out to determine the moisture, ash, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen content. The ground pellets were classified in sieves to a size range of 0.25–1mm and were pyrolysed in a 300gh−1 fluidised bed reactor at 500°C. Mo2C/Al2O3 replaced the sand in the fluidised bed reactor in different proportions (0wt.%, 12wt.%, 25wt.% and 50wt.%) to investigate the effect of this catalyst on the pyrolysis products. Bio-oil yield results showed that ground sugarcane bagasse pellets gave high organic yields in the bio-oil of 60.5wt.% on dry feed with a total liquid yield of 73.1wt.% on dry feed without catalyst. Increasing the catalyst proportions in the fluidised bed reduced bio-oil yields, significantly reduced sugars (as α-levoglucosan) concentration and increased furanics and phenolics concentration in the bio-oil. It was observed that the higher the concentration of the 20wt.% Mo2C/Al2O3 catalyst in the fluidised bed the lower the viscosity of the bio-oil.

Biomass for iron ore sintering

Within an integrated steelworks, iron ore sinter making is an energy intensive process. In recent years, biomass is becoming an attractive alternative source of energy to traditional fossil fuels such as coal. In this study, commercially available biomass materials suited to sinter making have been identified as an alternative source of fuel to coke breeze. Olive residues, sunflower husk pellets, almond shells, hazelnut shells and Bagasse pellets have been characterised and prepared for sintering. A laboratory sinter pot has been employed for studying sintering behaviour of biomass material. On average, the calorific values of selected biomass materials, on a dry basis, are about 65% of dry coke breeze. It was found that less of this energy would be available in sinter making due to the evaporation of some of the volatile matter ahead of the flame front. At a replacement rate of 25%, the crushed sunflower husk pellets showed the closest thermal profile to that of coke breeze alone in the size range of −0.8 to +0.6 mm. A specification of less than 1 mm has been recommended for the studied biomass materials when co-firing biomass with coke breeze for iron ore sintering.