Palm Shell Research Articles

Removal of Multi-heavy Metals from Simulated Wastewater using Hybrid Modified Carbonized Palm Shell and Rice Husk Adsorbents

It necessary to remove heavy metals from wastewater in order to comply with environmental regulations and for sake of human health and safety. The purposes of the present study was to prepare hybrid modified adsorbent from the carbonized palm shell and rice husk by physical treatment for the removal of 13 multi heavy metal component from simulated wastewater by single bed adsorption column. The Metals being studied are Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Lead, Lithium, Molybdenum, Nickel, Antimony, Vanadium and zinc. Six types of adsorbents were used for metal removal which are (100% BRH) adsorbent; (100% CPS) adsorbent , and four hybrids adsorbent prepared by mixing the blended rice husk and carbonized palm kernel shell with mixing ratios 20% , 40% , 60% , 80% wt Blended Rice Husk . The obtained results of the individual area under the graph analysis showed that cadmium, copper, lithium; vanadium elements were strongly adsorbed by hybrid adsorbents with achieved removal efficiency of 99.95%, 99.97%, 31.23%, and 89.58% with least area under the graph values of 3294.65, 2015.52, 118.231, and 115.18 respectively. As a conclusion, the mixing of blended rice husk and carbonized palm shell as hybrid adsorbent contributed to enhance the adsorption performance of cadmium, copper, lithium, vanadium, elements which demonstrated by less area under the graph values compared with pure carbonized palm shell and pure rice husk adsorbents.

Exploring binder efficacy in the fabrication of charcoal briquettes from palmyra palm and oil palm shells: A comprehensive analysis

The fabrication of charcoal briquettes was considered using two distinct bases: palmyra palm and oil palm shells. The critical role of binders – namely tapioca starch, molasses, and termite mound clay (TMC) – were emphasized in influencing the properties of the briquettes. ANOVA results revealed that both the type of binder and charcoal significantly impacted various characteristics, such as proximate components like volatile matter content, and physical properties including combustion time. Briquettes made from palmyra palm shells notably demonstrated superior performance in terms of combustion time and onset time of saturation (OTS). Among the binders, tapioca starch was distinguished for contributing to the lowest ash content and the highest fixed carbon in the briquettes. Conversely, briquettes bound with TMC, despite having the lowest volatile matter percentage, also exhibited the highest ash content and fragility, in addition to the shortest combustion time. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate binders to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of charcoal briquettes, aligning with the increasing demand for environmentally conscious energy solutions in the face of escalating global energy needs.

Performance Characteristics of Nano Palm Shell Ash (NPSA) in Asphalt Mixture

One innovation in creating new materials that have superior properties compared to large-sized materials is to use nanotechnology. The uniqueness of nano materials is that the smaller the size of the material, the greater the surface area and performance characteristics of the material in the asphalt mixture. This research develops nano technology in asphalt pavement construction by making nano material from palm shell ash waste. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of adding palm shell ash nano material as a substitute for asphalt in the AC-WC mixture. The research method was carried out by testing the morphological characterization of the palm shell ash nano material using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) testing, then continuing with testing the characteristics of the mixture using the Marshall testing method. The nano material used is palm shell ash material obtained from palm shell burning waste originating from Riau which is then processed into Nano Palm Shell Ash (NPSA) material using a ball mill. The asphalt used is Pen 60/70 asphalt produced by Pertamina. The use of NPSA material in asphalt modification with NPSA variations of 1%, 2% and 3% can improve the performance of marshal characteristics compared to conventional asphalt mixtures. It can be seen that the stability, flow, VFA and MQ values increase with increasing NPSA percentage in asphalt. Meanwhile, the VIM and VMA values decreased along with the increase in the NPSA percentage in asphalt. In addition, increasing the percentage of NPSA in asphalt can reduce the use of optimum asphalt content compared to conventional asphalt mixtures. Utilizing palm shell ash waste is the best alternative for improving the performance of asphalt in mixtures and is environmentally friendly and economical.

The Role of Superplasticizers on the Workability Consistency of ECC Mortar Fresh Mortar Due to an Increase in the Percentage of Palm Shell Ash

Engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) are composites that have better attraction properties and behavior than concrete. ECCs are usually formed from cement, water, silica sand, cementitious materials, fibers, and other additives with a certain proportion. In this study, there are three types of ECC mortars (types AME, EM, and TEM) where these types are differentiated by the amount of cement used, the quantity of water, and the number of sand used. Each type uses ashes of palm shells with the same proportions of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of the weight of cement. According to trial and error during the workability test, the number of superplasticizers used also increased according to the increase in the percentage of ash in the palm shell, where the variation of superplasticizers achieved was 0.70%, 1.59%, 2.49%, and 3.40% of the weight of cement. Based on the results of the slumpflow test, the average diameter of the ECC freshly mixed mortar was between 88 cm and 106.5 cm, and the T500 slump flow was between 0.28 seconds and 1.39 seconds. The test results show a fairly good workability consistency of all ECC fresh mortars, although there has been an increase in the percentage of palm shell ash used. Superplasticizer turns out to be very important in maintaining consistent workability of fresh ECC mortar mix.

IoT Based Smart Palm Oil Seed Segregator using RGB Color Sensor

The manual seed grading process through human vision is tedious and time-consuming due to the tendency for errors and inconsistencies. Shell residues also failed to be properly segregated and required a huge amount of human energy as they were unable to be detected automatically once the waste container was full. The main objectives of this research are to develop an automated palm seed grading and sorting system to increase the seed’s sorting quality. The system can segregate palm oil and shell residues automatically to ease kernel recycling in the future. In addition, the system can implement the waste bins’ level detection, which can notify the user via the Blynk application, reducing the time and manpower required. To develop this system, sensor comparisons are done to determine the best-performing sensor to be used in the operation. The result shows that the RGB color sensor is the best color detecting sensor with an increment accuracy of 30.525%. As for the smart bin for shell residue, system response became 62.96% faster with the use of an ultrasonic sensor. The RGB sensor detects seed with readings <165 color concentration as freshly ripe and readings >165 color concentration as overripe. The janitor can be notified in real-time when the bins for oil and shell residues are full through the Blynk application using the WiFi module (ESP8266). The system has 100% accuracy, which was tested using the confusion matrix formula for both seed categories.

An experimental batch study on separation of palm kernel and palm shell with salt solution

Abstract The effectiveness of the palm kernel separation process is of paramount significance, as it directly influences the quantity of palm kernels obtained. This efficiency forms the core of the decision-making process when considering how to best use palm kernel shells, which are a byproduct of the palm oil industry. These versatile shells have various applications, including their role as a fuel source, their use in producing activated carbon, and their utility as an alternative material in lightweight concrete. The primary aim of this investigation is to examine and enhance the efficiency of this innovative segregation technique, with a specific focus on identifying the optimal conditions for achieving effective segregation, particularly the ideal concentration of salt (NaCl) in a batch process. The research methodology comprises a wellstructured series of steps designed to systematically evaluate the segregation process. In the initial stages, samples of palm kernel and shell were collected from a local palm oil industry and meticulously prepared for experimentation. Subsequently, salt solutions with varying saturation percentage of salt solution beetwen 12 g/L and 380 g/L were prepared. As the samples were immersed in the solution, the denser palm kernel shells settled at the base, whereas the lighter palm kernels rised to the top, simplifying the separation of these two elements. The highest level of segregation efficiency was achieved at the 380 g/L of Consentration of salt solution. This suggested method offers advantages, including the capability to achieve a 100% separation of palm kernel and palm kernel shell.

Preliminary Study on Structure of Carbon Derived from Palm Oil Shell

Abstract Palm shells are waste that is produced every year due to the large demand for palm oil. The potential for carbon derivatives in palm shell charcoal waste that can be extracted is more like activated carbon. Therefore, this research aims to provide an explanation of the ability of palm shell charcoal carbon as a residual component of palm oil processing that is affordable and abundantly available, which if maximized properly will be the forerunner to the development of technology that has added value. The capabilities of Palm Shell Charcoal can be applied for technical applications with further development. It is hoped that this study will provide initial information for scientists and policy makers in the fields of environmental conservation and technology. Palm shell charcoal (ACKS) that has been washed, dried and made into powder is subjected to DSC-TGA, FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX testing. The XRD results show that there is a main broad peak that appears around the 2θ ∼23° angle which corresponds to the (002) plane and also a narrow peak appears at the 26° angle which indicates graphite growth. Meanwhile, the FTIR results show that many of the bonds formed are C=O, C-O, C=C and O-H bonds which indicate the presence of hard carbon.

Experimental study of calcium carbonate solution saturation in the separation process of palm kernel-shell mixtures using water clay bath systems

Abstract Continual use of CaCO3 in the separation of the palm kernel-shell mixture causes CaCO3 solution saturation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the causes of CaCO3 solution saturation during the separation process of palm kernel-shell mixtures. The process was carried out in the laboratory clay bath system using several factors in the separation process, including calcium carbonate to water ratios (1:2 and 1:3), palm kernel-shell mixture feed rates (2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 kg/batch), and times (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h) with density, pH, and oil content as the quantitative control. The results show that the density and pH of the separating solution dropped per unit length of processing, with the lowest values being around 1.0916 g/ml and 6.65 (CaCO3 to H2O ratios of 1:3; feed rates 3.0 kg/batch; and times 5 h), respectively. In addition, the oil content of the separating solution was raised from 0.145 mg/L to 571.87 mg/L. Owing to the results, the dissolved oil in the solution was discovered as the cause of the saturation of the separating solution (decanting agent) during the process, corresponding to the inefficient separation of palm kernels and shells.

Mechanical Properties and Fracture Patterns in Oil Palm Shell Concrete with Various Cement Types Using Digital Image Correlation

Mechanical Properties and Fracture Patterns in Oil Palm Shell Concrete with Various Cement Types Using Digital Image Correlation

Influence of seawater mixing on fresh and mechanical properties of oil palm shell lightweight aggregate concrete containing spent garnet

Abstract The rapid advancement in construction practices has led to a higher demand for natural aggregates in the production of concrete. Simultaneously, there has been an increase in pollution due to the improper disposal of industrial waste. Effective waste management has become imperative to prevent environmental harm. A sustainable solution involves incorporating waste materials such as oil palm shells (OPS) from the palm oil industry and spent garnet from shipbuilding activities into concrete production. This research aims to explore the impact of introducing spent garnet as a partial substitute for sand on the fresh and hardened properties of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) made with OPS, mixed with seawater. Two sets of concrete mixes were prepared, varying the proportion of spent garnet as a partial replacement for fine aggregate, and both seawater and freshwater were used in the mixing process. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate workability, oven-dry density, and compressive strength of the concrete. The findings indicate that the workability decreases in freshwater but improves in both freshwater and seawater when spent garnet is added. All mixtures containing spent garnet qualify as LWAC. Notably, seawater-mixed OPS LWAC, with 10 % spent garnet, demonstrates the highest compressive strength. The use of seawater accelerates hydration, enhancing concrete strength compared to freshwater. In conclusion, incorporating spent garnet as a replacement for sand in concrete production results in environmentally friendly OPS LWAC. This approach contributes to waste reduction and minimizes reliance on landfills, promoting sustainable construction practices.

Workability Investigation on the Fresh Mix of ECC Mortar and Crumb Rubber (CR)-ECC based on Variations of Palm Shell Ash, River Sand, and Cement

Engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is a composite that has better tensile properties and behavior than concrete. ECCs are usually made of cement, water, silica sand, cementitious materials, fibers, and other additives. The term ECC mortar is used because the ECC does not use fiber. The cementitious material in this research uses palm shell ash, with a proportion of 5%, 10%, and 15% of the cement weight. As a replacement for the fiber, crumb rubbers are used, with proportions of 2.5%; 5%; 7.5%; 10% and 12.5% of the cement weight. Workability was measured based on slumpflow tests (with measurements T500 and slumpflow diameter). The objective of this study is to establish the workability of fresh mix of the ECC mortar and CR-ECC with variations in the addition of palm shell ash, cement, sand and crumb rubber. Based on the results of slumpflow tests, the average diameter for fresh ECC mortars ranges between 88 cm to 106.5 cm, and the T500 ranges from 0.28 seconds to 1.39 seconds. As for fresh CR-ECC mix, the mean slumpflow diameter is between 71 cm to 93 cm and the T500 ranging between 0.90 seconds and 1.68 seconds. All of these values meet the slumpflow requirements stipulated by EFNARC. Nevertheless, the workability of the fresh mix ECC mortar is more flowable than the fresh mix CR-ECC. This is because crumb rubbers are water-absorbing.

Influence of Steam Curing Temperature on the Characteristic of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Palm Shell Ash

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is proven as durable concrete and applied to constructions. In this paper, a study was conducted to analyze the influence of variations of steam curing temperature (SCT) and water/binder (w/b) ratio on the characteristics of SCC incorporating 10% Palm Shell Ash (PSA) as a partial substitution for cement mass. The SCT was arranged from 25 C to 80 C. The variation of w/b in the compositions of SCC was 0.325, 0.350, and 0.375. The results showed that using PSA, the variation of SCT and the w/b ratio influenced the workability of the fresh concrete. The PSA, SCT, and the w/b ratio affected the concrete compressive strength and mass density. The increased SCT caused a lighter density and greater compressive strength. However, the decreased compressive strength occurred due to an excessive SCT of 70 C and above. The SCT of 60 C, 10% PSA, and w/b ratio of 0.350 in the mixture produced the greatest compressive strength of 36.27 MPa at 28 days of age, while without SCT, the greatest compressive strength of 36.78 MPa was achieved at the age of 28 days containing 10% PSA and w/b ratio of 0.325. It indicated that the w/b ratio was more influential than the SCT on the increase of the SCC compressive strength.

Utilizing bio-based and industrial waste aggregates to improve mechanical properties and thermal insulation in lightweight foamed macro polypropylene fibre-reinforced concrete

This research intends to examine the potential of incorporating waste materials in place of coarse aggregates to augment the mechanical characteristics and thermal insulation of lightweight foamed concrete (LWFC), along with the inclusion of polypropylene (PP) fibres. The PP fibre exhibits excellent tensile strength and enhancement on thermal insulation properties of cementitious materials. In this study, eco-friendly bio-based oil palm shell (OPS) and robust solid polyurethane (SPU) aggregates derived from industrial waste were utilized as substitutes for conventional aggregates. Additionally, silica fume was partially incorporated as supplementary cementitious materials. The addition of PP fibre impacted the workability of the LWFC with the inverted slump value decreased by 1.7 %–17.5 %. The inclusion of PP fibre proportion increased from 0 % to 0.5 % revealed a positive result in mechanical properties and thermal insulation performance. The OPSSPU/0.5 showed the significantly increment of 40.4 % compressive strength, 102.9 % of splitting tensile strength, and 70.8 % flexural strength, respectively. The optimum result was obtained in the OPSSPU/0.5 mixture, which exhibited 3.74 MPa residual compressive strength. Furthermore, utilizing PP fibres brought about a significant reduction in thermal conductivity in the environmentally sustainable LWFC, leading to improvements ranging from 0.2 % to 16.3 % when compared to the control composition. Thus, these findings are essential for encouraging the adoption of such practices in the construction industry and contributing to the reduction of environmental impacts associated with sustainable concrete production.

Ductility Performance of Lightweight Concrete Beam Made from Oil Palm Shell and Clinker

Ductility Performance of Lightweight Concrete Beam Made from Oil Palm Shell and Clinker

Identifikasi Potensi Bahaya pada Stasiun Boiler Menggunakan Metode Hirarc di PT. Syaukath Agro

PT Syaukath Agro is a company operating in the Agribusiness Sector which is engaged in processing palm oil Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) into crude palm oil (CPO), Palm Kernel (PK) and shells. The palm oil processing system consists of several stages starting from receiving Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) to becoming palm oil or Crude Palm Oil (CPO). The palm oil processing process can be used in several stages carried out at each station. Based on interviews conducted, each station has a different level of risk of accidents, one of the stations that has a large risk of work accidents is the boiler station which is the heart of a palm oil factory where the steam boiler is the source of power and the source of the steam that will used to process palm oil. Boilers have potential dangers or risks when operated. The risks that often occur are falls, slips, burns, scalds, heat, noise, so it is very important to supervise and provide guidance regarding work safety. The size of the accident caused will certainly have a detrimental impact on the company. The severity of the accident can be determined through identification of potential dangers and risk assessment of all boiler operating activities at PT. Syaukath Agro. Based on the results of research conducted using the hirarc method, potential hazards found in boiler stations include: Unergonomic Working Attitudes, Noise Levels >84 dB with 8 Hours/Day Exposure, Working climate temperature (hot) 31°C on exposure >8 working hours/day, and oil buildup. Types of risk of work accidents at boiler stations consist of: Falls, injuries (slipping, slippery floors) Burns (in contact with hot objects around), Heat exhausting (Heat), Work accidents (fatigue ), hearing loss (noise), blisters (burns), health problems (muscles, bones), contact dermatitis (exposed to dangerous toxic radiation). Based on the results of risk control, it was found that the most appropriate type of control recommendation is administrative control and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Administration (Administration Control) is carried out by creating or providing a work system that can reduce the possibility of someone being exposed to potential dangers. The hierarchy of control of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to provide a boundary between exposure to the body and the potential danger received by the body.

Evaluation of Corroded OPS Fibre-Concrete using NDT Method

Concrete is one part of an infrastructure that is very commonly used, materials widely used in concrete, such as sand and gravel, come from nature that are limited and will run out if used continuously. Oil palm shell (OPS) waste is an alternative that canbe used to solve this problem. In this study, the proportion of OPS used was 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% as a partial substitute for coarse aggregate. Pre- and post-corrosion specimens use beam sizes with dimensions of 100 mm × 100 mm × 500 mm. The specimen has a corrosion rate of 7%. The specimen is tested for flexural strength, in addition, the specimen is tested using the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)method at the age of 28 days and after acceleration corrosion. The NDT methods used in this study were resistivity and impact-echo as evaluation tools for the influence of OPS and fiber on corroded concrete. Based on the results, the lowest value of resistivity was 10.87 kohm/cm on 0% OPS post-corrosion specimen, and the highest value of resistivity of 24.12 kohm/cm on 0% OPS pre-corrosion specimen. Meanwhile, the impact-echo test obtained the lowest value of 2625.33 kHz on 75% OPS post-corrosion specimens and the highest impact-echo value of 11725.26 kHz on 0% OPS post-corrosion specimens. With the increase in the percentage of OPS, the resistivity obtained in pre-corrosion concrete will decrease as well as the impact echo value, except for the 75% OPS specimen, while in post-corrosion specimen impact-echo and resistivity are inversely proportional. The greater the percentage of OPS in concrete, the resistivity value tends to increase but the frequency of impact-echo tends to decrease except in specimens with 75% OPS.

Recycled Household Plastic and Oil Palm Filler Reinforced Epoxy Composite for Lightweight Construction Applications

Polypropylene is extensively used in aerospace, automotive and construction applications due to its versatile properties. This project aims to reduce plastic and oil palm waste and promote the development of strong, sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials. The objective of this project is to develop a sustainable yet high-performance construction material by incorporating polypropylene particles, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibres and oil palm shell (OPS) particles into epoxy composites through the hand lay-up method. The composite specimens undergo ASTM D638 tensile test to determine the tensile properties. The addition of PP particles in varying weights shows decrease in tensile strength, likely due to poor dispersion and compatibility with the epoxy matrix. Incorporating 3 wt% OPEFB fibres with fibre length from 2mm to 4mm improves tensile strength by 2.32% and 23.36% respectively at higher PP particle loadings which are 15 wt% and 25 wt%. Adding 1 wt% and 3 wt% OPS particles improves the tensile strength by 2.96% and 4.68% respectively, in composites with 10 wt% PP particles and 3 wt% OPEFB fibres. The tensile performance may be improved by treating PP particles with compatibilizers such as silane or maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene.

Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Containing Unground Palm Oil Fuel Ash as Partial Sand Replaceme

Escalating quantity of industrial by-products generated, including oil palm shell (OPS) and palm oil fuel ash (POFA ) of the palm oil industries, has been a concern to many analysts. They are mostly disposed off as wastes that would heavily impact the environment quality. Therefore, this paper aimed to investigate the possibility of consuming these wastes by using OPS and POFA as replacement materials for fine aggregates in the concrete mixture. The mixtures were prepared by integrating unground palm oil fuel ash of 0%, 10%, and 20% (by weight of sand) to produce lightweight concrete. The experiments observed the mechanical performance of these specimens for 180 curing days. The results show the enhancement of concrete strength relative to the control mixture by using 10% of ash. This is owing to void filling mechanism and product of pozzolanic reaction due to the fine particles of the ash.

Numerical Analysis of the Co-firing Combustion of Coal and Palm Shell Kernel In Stoker Boiler

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) states that Indonesia is committed to contributing to global climate change solutions. The government will also continue to encourage the development of a number of renewable energy (EBT)-based power generation projects. This is based on the use of renewable energy which is still low, namely around (1.9%) 8215.5 MW. Meanwhile, the potential for EBT to become energy can be around 443,208 MW. One source of EBT in Indonesia that can be utilized is Biomass. Co-firing of biomass is a relatively cheaper option and does not require investment in new power plants. However, Co-firing combustion has several aspects that need to be studied, such as temperature combustion and the generation of gas emissions. Therefore, this study aims to determine the temperature and the emissions resulting from co-firing of palm kernel shell biomass. This research was conducted using the Computational Fluid Dynamics method on stoker boiler model. The test parameters of the research was the maximum and average temperatures in the furnace, and the average and maximum fractions of CO2, SO2 in the stoker boiler furnace. From the research conducted, it was found that the resulting combustion temperature decreased as the co-firing fraction of the biomass increased. However, CO2 gas emissions increased and SO2 decreased with increasing fraction of co-firing biomass which showed a decrease in harmful gas emissions and complete combustion that occurred in the furnace.

Effect of Mix Ratio and Curing Water on the Strength of Oil Palm Shell Aggregate Concrete

Concrete is one oldest construction. The production of concrete consumes a large amount of natural resources. As a step in ensuring the availability of resources for future generations, it is necessary to adopt engineering practices which focus on the conversation of non-renewable resources and energy such as oil palm shell. The government has indicated a growing concern for protecting the environment and the need to preserve natural resources using alternative materials, such as recycled or waste materials. Malaysia is the one of the largest palm oil producers and exporter in the world. The palm oil industry has created an environmental pollution due to the production of huge quantities of waste from the oil extraction process such as oil palm shell.