Solid Biofuel Production from Meranti (Shorea Sp.) Sawdust Using Hydrothermal Treatment

摘要

In the context of industrialization, wood industry plays an important role as one of the pillar components in building Indonesia industry where 76.36% is supported by Meranti (Shorea Sp.). However, the increase of wood processing industries produces waste biomass in the form of large amount sawdust. Hydrothermal treatment is an environmentally clean technology of converting biomass into coal-like solid called hydrochar using subcritical water. The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of temperature and water to biomass (b/w) ratio in the formation of hydrochar from Meranti sawdust. This research was carried out using a 250 mL hydrothermal reactor where a mixture of Meranti sawdust and water heated at temperature variation of 240 and 300°C; b/w ratio 1:20, 2:20, 3:20; initial pressure of 1.0 Mpa and holding time for 30 minutes. Hydrochar were then characterized in terms of yield, caloric value, proximate and ultimate analysis. Based on experimental result, 39-78% raw materials were converted into hydrochar where the highest yield was found on temperature operation of 240°C and b/w ratio 2:20.