Pelletization from nonwoody biomass has gained a lot of attention due to its potential to secure biomass feedstock supply and pricing. Studies have been conducted to produce biopellets from different parts of Napier grass plant. In this study, two different species of Napier grass were used. Two pressure points and five different times were varied accordingly. Proximate, ultimate, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were performed to assess chemical properties. Statistical analysis of the collected data validated and supported the discussion. The produced pellets of Napier grass exhibited good energy density comparable to those in the literature based on gross calorific values. The pellet density demonstrated a significant effect with time, pressure, and feedstock ratios. The pellet durability test showed comparable characteristics to another biomass pellet. Both Pakchong Napier grass (PNG) and wild Napier grass (WNG) biopellet densities obtained were higher than 0.650 g/cm3, and the durability was higher than 95%. This signifies that the pellet can withstand repeated transfer during handling without breakage.
Catalytic steam gasification of palm kernel shell is investigated to optimize operating parameters for hydrogen and syngas production using TGA-MS setup. RSM is used for experimental design and evaluating the effect of temperature, particle size, CaO/biomass ratio, and coal bottom ash wt% on hydrogen and syngas. Hydrogen production appears highly sensitive to all factors, especially temperature and coal bottom ash wt%. In case of syngas, the order of parametric influence is: CaO/biomass>coal bottom ash wt%>temperature>particle size. The significant catalytic effect of coal bottom ash is due to the presence of Fe2O3, MgO, Al2O3, and CaO. A temperature of 692°C, coal bottom ash wt% of 0.07, CaO/biomass of 1.42, and particle size of 0.75mm are the optimum conditions for augmented yield of hydrogen and syngas. The production of hydrogen and syngas is 1.5% higher in the pilot scale gasifier as compared to TGA-MS setup.