Oil palm biomass ash removal for boiler fuel optimization: A case study

The growing demand for sustainable energy sources has prompted increased interest in biomass materials, particularly oil palm biomass (OPB), as an alternative to coal for power generation. OPB, derived from oil palm plantations, is abundant in tropical regions and represents a renewable energy resource. However, its high alkali content presents challenges in the form of slagging and fouling in boilers, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and equipment damage. This issue hinders the broader adoption of OPB in energy production, which is crucial for meeting global energy demands while addressing environmental concerns. In this study, OPB particles (<0.86 mm) underwent a 15-minute washing treatment using acetic acid and water at a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:15 to mitigate slagging and fouling risks. Various OPB types, including empty fruit bunches (EFB), shells (SHL), fibers (FBR), fronds (FRD), and trunks (TRK), were examined. The results showed that acetic acid washing removed 44–78% of the ash content and increased the ash fusion temperature (AFT) by 8.8–14.8%, compared to 32–50% ash removal and a 4.2–7.6% AFT rise with water washing. Both treatments effectively reduced slagging and fouling tendencies, making OPB a more viable and environmentally sustainable alternative for power generation.