Performance Evaluation of Suitability of Carbonized Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) as a Veritable Alternative to Coal and Charcoal in Solid Fuel Fired Furnaces

摘要

Methods: PKS were carbonised in other to drive off the organic matter, and obtained a clean solid fuel. Leco 350 Bomb Calorimeter was used to determine the heating value of the fuel; while adiabatic flame temperature and mass of air/ Kg of fuel were calculated for different conditions of excess air ratio 'n'. The carbonised PKS was used to melt aluminium. Results: The higher heating value of PKS was 26541.204KJ/Kg. The lower heating value of PKS was 24457.9592KJ/Kg. The adiabatic flame temperature at n = 1 and 1.3 were 2082°C and 1679°C respectively. The air/fuel ratio is directly proportional to n. Discussion: The higher heating value of carbonised PKS was comparatively higher than those of firewood, peat and lignin but less than bituminous and anthracite coals.