Production and characterization of fuel pellets from Lantana camara and Emblica officinalis pomace biomass combinations

In this study, production and characterization of fuel pellets from Lantana camara and Emblica officinalis pomace has been explored. A pilot biomass pelletization unit was developed for production of fuel pellets. Characterization of pellets was conducted using proximate, ultimate and thermogravimetric analysis. As the L. camara proportion increased from 30 to 90%, the volatile matter and fixed carbon content of pellets increased from 57.74 to 75.67% and 13.99–16.23%, respectively. Gross Calorific Value (GCV) of fuel pellets significantly increase with rise in proportion of L. camara. Highest GCV of 3984 Kcal/Kg and 3997 Kcal/Kg was observed in case pellets produced from L. camara ratio of 90% and 100%, respectively. Higher GCV of fuel pellets is occurred due to increase of volatile matter and fixed carbon content. Physical property i.e. bulk density of pellets increases from 621 Kg/m³ to 695 Kg/m³ with increase in L. camara proportion from 30 to 90%. Thermogravimetric analysis represents the thermal degradation profile of pellets in three zones viz. removal of moisture, volatile matter and char decomposition. Further, cook stove emission testing of pellets showed low CO and CO₂ emission i.e. 83.59 ppm and 0.20%vol. and paved the way for its safe usage and application of produced pellets in domestic and industrial settings. As per standard BS EN ISO 17225-2:2014, the pellets produced in present study can be categorized as Grade I3 solid fuel for industrial applications.