Effect of hydrothermal treatment on grindability and fuel characteristics of empty fruit bunch derived hydrochar

Hydrothermal treatment (HTT) is recognized as one of the promising thermochemical pre-treatments for biomass energy. It provides a low energy requirement and an elimination of pre-drying. Furthermore, a water washing method for the treated biomass is employed. One of the most promising biofuel candidates is empty fruit bunch (EFB) due to the large yearly production in Indonesia. In this study, the quality of hydrochars derived from EFB was assessed for its quality as a solid fuel. Raw EFB is thermochemically treated by employing HTT, and its characteristics in regard to grindability are studied. The study suggested that commercial-scale HTT produces a solid fuel with a high heating value (HHV) with a value similar to Indonesian coal. In addition, it has lower ash content than the parent biomass, which reduces the probability of slagging and fouling in boilers. Furthermore, the particle size distribution profile suggested better characteristics than the parent biomass and some types of coal.