Palm kernel shell (PKS) is actually the by-product from palm oil industry, before the era for palm kernel shell being used as biomass, the oil palm owner will bury the palm kernel shell underneath the land and let it becomes black color palm kernel compost. This is sort of organic fertilizer but because of the hard shell, it takes much longer time for converting totally to organic fertilizer. It is well known biomass product because of it small in size and high in heat energy or calorific value. Palm kernel is kernel from oil palm fruit. After the oil palm fruit gone through the palm oil process, the kernel will be separated and kernel oil will further be distilled and it also gained it status as a bio fuel resource for biomass product. It also classified as a renewable energy that complies with country energy regulation, such as Japan, Korea and Europe. Palm kernel shell also consider as the replacement for wood chip.
Gross Calorie Value : 3.600 Kcal , Moisture : 14-20% ( Maximum 20% due to rain ) , Impurities : < 3% ( Maximum 3%) , Ash Content : < 3% ( Maximum 5%) , Size : 4-20mm. , Sulfur : < 0.1% ( Maximum 1%) .
Palm kernel shell (PKS) is a by-product of the palm oil industry but is fast becoming an important source of feedstock for biomass energy generation. Although always traditionally used by palm oil mills as a source of energy, interest from power generators is growing.
We source all our PKS from CPO mills in Sumatra and Kalimantan we also source from Sulawesi
The palm kernel is the edible, hard, stony seed found at the core of the oil palm fruit. Encased within a tough shell, the kernel is a small but vital part of the palm fruit, as it contains a significant amount of oil that is highly valued in various industries. The fruit yields two distinct oils: palm oil derived from the outer parts of the fruit, and palm kernel oil derived from the kernel. The pulp left after oil is rendered from the kernel is formed into "palm kernel cake", used either as high-protein feed for dairy cattle or burned in boilers to generate electricity for palm oil mills and surrounding villages.
Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) is a by-product of the palm oil industry, derived from the extraction of palm kernel oil. It is the hard, outer covering of the kernel seed, which remains after the fruit's fleshy part is processed for palm oil. PKS is widely used as a biofuel and in various industrial applications due to its high energy content and abundance.
Key Characteristics of Palm Kernel Shell:
1. Appearance: Palm kernel shells are small, hard, brownish-black pieces with an irregular shape. They range in size, usually between 5 mm to 40 mm, and have a rough texture.
2. Composition:
- High calorific value: PKS has a calorific value ranging from 4,000 to 4,600 kcal/kg, making it an excellent source of energy for industrial boilers and power generation.
- Low ash content: This makes it a cleaner-burning fuel compared to other biomass materials.
- **Moisture content**: It typically has a moisture content of around 15-20%, which affects its combustion efficiency.
3. Energy Source: PKS is a sustainable and renewable energy source, frequently used as biomass fuel in power plants, cement kilns, and for industrial heating processes. It can be used directly in furnaces or be processed into pellets for easier transportation and more efficient combustion.
4. Environmental Benefits:
- Renewable biomass: As a by-product of palm oil production, PKS is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable. Utilizing it as a fuel helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Low carbon footprint: Burning PKS for energy releases less carbon dioxide compared to coal or other fossil fuels, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Industrial Uses:
- Fuel for power plants: PKS is burned to generate electricity or heat in biomass power plants, especially in countries where palm oil production is prominent (e.g., Malaysia and Indonesia).
- Carbonized shell: PKS can be carbonized to produce activated carbon, which is used in water purification, air filtration, and various industrial applications.
- Fertilizer and composting: In some cases, PKS is mixed into compost or used as a soil amendment in agricultural processes.
6. Economic Impact: Palm kernel shells are an abundant and low-cost material in palm oil-producing countries. They are often exported to countries with high energy demands or environmental regulations encouraging the use of renewable fuels.
In summary, Palm Kernel Shell is a valuable by-product in the palm oil industry, providing an eco-friendly and efficient alternative for energy generation and other industrial uses.
