The influence of moisture content and raw material size on the mechanical and calorific properties of rice husk pellets

Wan Mohd Aznan, W. A.^1*, Mohd Shahmihaizan, M. J.¹ and Mohd Romainor, M.²

Abstract
Utilisation of the biomass pellets to generate heat is an alternative source of energy from renewable resources. Rice husk (RH) is biomass that was produced as a by-product from rice mill and has a great potential to be used as an energy feedstock. Nevertheless, the low bulk density (BD) and inconsistent moisture content (MC) of the RH have affected its potential application. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects on MC and particle size (PS) of pellet’s compound on the quality of RH pellets. The BD, compression strength (CS) and gross calorific value (GCV) of the RH pellets were significantly influenced by the MC of pellet’s compound. Particle size of the pellet’s compound was not displayed a significant effect in this study unless for CS of the pellets. The range of results for the BD, CS, and GCV were 610 to 687 kg/m3, 3372 to 7087 kN/m2 and 14828 to 15204 J/g respectively. Combination of the pellet’s compound at 12 % MC and 6 mm PS has produced the best quality of RH pellet.

Keywords: moisture content, particle size, bulk density, densification, rice husk pellet

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