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 shells (PKS) are frequently discarded as they are considered a byproduct of palm oil processing. However, there are numerous, applications for these shells.
Palm kernel shells contain many components beneficial for human use. Their composition includes elements such as ash content, moisture content, fixed carbon (often referred to potential activated carbon). They also possess other constituents valuable for human utilization.
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.
Palm kernel shells (PKS) are the shell fractions left after the nut has been removed after crushing in the Palm Oil mill. Kernel shells are a fibrous material and can be easily handled in bulk directly from the product line to the end use. We have capacity.
The following are some of the elements that make up the palm shell:
Moisture Content
Palm shells contain a moisture content (moisture in analysis) of 15-25% (As received) or 8-11% (Air Dried Basis). This high water content needs to be considered in its use as fuel or fertilizer. This is because water content that is too high can affect the efficiency of combustion and the quality of the fertilizer produced.
Minimal Ash Content
Palm shells also have minimal ash content, which is around 1-3%. This low ash content makes palm shells a cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuel. In addition, the low ash content also facilitates the processing of palm kernel shells into organic fertilizer
High Evaporation Rate Another content contained in the shell of the palm is a fairly high evaporation rate (volatile matter), which ranges from 68 â?? 70%. This content indicates that the palm shell is flammable and suitable for use as an alternative fuel. In its application as a fertilizer, high evaporation rates also help speed up the decomposition process and improve soil quality.
High Active Carbon Content
Palm shells also contain around 20-22% pure Activated Carbon (fixed carbon). This content makes palm shells suitable for use as an alternative fuel that is environmentally friendly, especially in industrial applications.
High Calorie Content
The calorie content contained in the palm shell is also quite high, which is more than 4,200 Kcal. This high calorie content makes palm shells a potential alternative fuel in replacing fossil energy sources.
