Potential of Processing Bagasse and Bagasse Pellets from Western Kenya into Clean Sustainable Transport Fuel

Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)

Download

Abstract: The primary objective of this research was to investigate the combustion properties of sugarcane bagasse and bagasse pellets produced by the West Kenya Sugar Company and Power-spot Pellets Limited in western Kenya, as well as the feasibility of using the materials for the production of pyrolysis oil, a precursor raw material in the processing of clean green transport fuel. Sugarcane bagasse and bagasse pellets from West Kenya Sugar Company and Power-spot Pellets Limited were characterized for proximate, ultimate and calorific value properties using BS EN ISO/EN international standard methods. A fast pyrolysis experiment was also carried out using the two feed-stocks to determine their feasibility for generation of bio-oil. The results reveal that the biomasses may be utilized as solid fuel based on their heating properties and to produce bio-oil for clean green transport fuel through fast pyrolysis, with an experimental bio-oil yield of approximately 42 - 46%, hence a potential for minimizing global climate challenges. FT-IR analysis also indicates that bagasse pyrolysis oil contains chemicals which may be converted to clean green transport fuel or used to manufacture specialized chemical compounds.