Characterization of fuel composite obtained by the mixing of biomass and coal

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the potential of biomass-coal blends as an alternative fuel source, focusing on coal from Darra Adam Khel, Cherat, Harnoi, and Daola in the KPK province of Pakistan and Parthenium weed biomass. The study assesses the impact of varying biomass ratios on proximate analysis (net calorific value (NCV), sulfur content, volatile matter, ash content, and moisture content) and calorific values of the composite fuel. Results reveal a linear NCV decline with increasing biomass, affecting high NCV coals less. Daola and Darra coal, starting at 30.43 and 31.32 MJ/kg, decreased to 20.15 MJ/kg and 19.71 MJ/kg with 66% biomass. Sulfur content, notably high in high NCV coals, significantly reduces with biomass; Darra coal decreases from 3.31% to below 1% with 66% biomass. Volatile matter uniformly increases with incremental biomass, enhancing combustibility. Cherat coal, initially at 8% volatile matter, rises to 50% with 66% biomass. Biomass effectively reduces ash content, particularly beneficial for low NCV coals. Harnoi coal, starting with 73% ash content, decreases to 30% with 66% biomass. However, biomass addition raises moisture content due to challenges in removing moisture from Parthenium weed. In summary, these findings optimize biomass-coal blends for enhanced fuel performance, address environmental concerns, and improve combustion efficiency, highlighting their potential as sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources.

KEYWORDS:

• Coal
• Biomass
• Proximate analysis
• Energy
• Fuel

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amad Ullah Khan

Amad Ullah Khan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar. He did his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the same department. His research focus is biomass energy, coal energy, and waste management.

Muhammad Abas

Muhammad Abas is a lecturer at the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar. He did his PhD in Industrial Engineering from the same department. His research interests include optimization, additive manufacturing, recycling, and energy efficiency.

Qazi Muhammad Usman Jan

Qazi Muhammad Usman Jan is a lecturer at the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar. He is a Ph.D. scholar in the same department. His research interests include recycling of waste, injection molding, and optimization.

Younas Khan

Younas Khan is Senior Manager Quality Control Fauji Cement Company Limited Jhang Bhatar, Pakistan. He did a Master of Sciences in Engineering/Industrial Management from Abasyn University Islamabad, Pakistan. His areas of interest are Industrial Environment, Energy Efficiency, Supply Chain Management, and Upgradation of Low-Quality Coals.