Category: Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency and the Liberation of Biomass Fuel from Palm Oil Mills

Post author By KM
Post date 24/09/2019
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Recycling of excessive amounts of biomass residue into boiler furnace is obscure and not well implied.

Palm oil mills are complete industrial installations within themselves, producing their own supply of steam and electricity by utilising waste materials generated during the oil extraction process. The steam is used for the sterilization of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) and oil clarification processes, whereas the electricity is used to power the mill.

The residue at the end of the oil and kernel extraction processes is pressed oil palm mesocarp fibre (MF) and palm kernel shell (PKS) comprising about 14 % and 6 % respectively of the FFB. These biomass materials are then recycled as boiler fuel for high-pressure steam generation. Traditionally, owing to the ready supply of large amounts of waste oil palm mesocarp fibre and palm kernel shell, right at their doorstep, mills have enjoyed the luxury of generating copious amounts of steam while disregarding its inefficient use along with the current state of inefficient operation of the process steam system, power plant and boilers. This generous and abundant steam supply has afforded a highly wasteful management of process steam.

Climate Change Energy Efficiency

Air pollution mitigating measures for steam boiler operation at palm oil mills

Post author By KM
Post date 28/02/2019
No Comments on Air pollution mitigating measures for steam boiler operation at palm oil mills

Do we just take a pain-killer? Why not treat the root cause of the pain?

Black smoke emissions into the atmosphere from boiler flue-gas stacks is a common sight in rural Malaysia, where the majority of palm oil mills are located. More so than the visible black smoke emissions are the invisible gaseous and particulate matter spewing out from the flue-gas stack. The main pollutant of concern is the particulate matter present in the stack discharge that gives rise to suspended atmospheric particulate matter at ground level in the surrounding areas of the palm oil mills. This poses serious health concerns among the mill workers and residents who live or work in the neighbourhood around the mills.

Tags EE, Innovation

Energy Efficiency

Palm Oil Mills, in the Perspective of National Resource Efficiency

Post author By KD
Post date 31/03/2014
2 Comments on Palm Oil Mills, in the Perspective of National Resource Efficiency

Biomass Residue and Renewable Energy, Resource Efficiency at Palm Oil Mills

Apart from palm oil, biomass residue and the renewable energy derived therefrom are among two important products, sometimes overlooked, of palm oil mills in the oil palm industry. It is imperative that palm oil mills are recognised in the context of national resource efficiency for efficient utilisation of these products in order to maximise their contribution to the industry and national economy.

Despite the energy-efficient cogeneration technology currently employed at palm oil mills, most of the prime biomass residues at palm oil mills is presently consumed merely to provide heat and power to its processes. A truly energy-efficient design of a palm oil mill incorporating readily available innovative technologies can reduce its biomass residue consumption to less than half of the present consumption. The biomass thusly saved could be utilised elsewhere for useful purposes. In addition to large quantities of surplus prime biomass conserved at the mill for export, surplus electricity can be more efficiently generated within the mill for export to the grid, where grid access is available.

Tags Climate Change, Innovation

Energy Efficiency

Selection of Sterilizer Technology for Energy Efficient Operation of Palm Oil Mills

Post author By KM
Post date 14/08/2013
9 Comments on Selection of Sterilizer Technology for Energy Efficient Operation of Palm Oil Mills

Sterilizer Technology Affects the Overall Energy Efficiency of Palm Oil Mills

The type of sterilizer technology utilised in the palm oil mill greatly affects steam and power demand, and performance of the sterilization process. With the growing demand for energy efficiency at palm oil mills, the selection of sterilizer is based mainly on its relevance to steam and power consumption because this will influence the overall energy efficiency of the palm oil extraction process.

The efficient use of energy at a palm oil mill is a major factor that reduces the carbon footprint of palm oil and impact on global warming trends and thus helps prevent climate changes. Utilizing biomass residues generated from the palm oil production process for its energy yield efficiently and productively further determines carbon emissions levels and the sustainability of palm oil production.

Tags EE, Innovation, Steriliser

Energy Efficiency

Innovative Technologies and Sustainable Solutions to Overcome the World’s Biggest Challenges – Energy & Climate Change – at Your Palm Oil Mill

Your Local Solution to Curb Global Warming via Efficient Energy Use

Energy is fundamental to the quality of our lives. We cannot conceive of development without supply of sustainable energy. But it is becoming increasingly clear that we need sources of energy that have no adverse impact on our environment. The prospect of irreversible climate change coupled with energy security issues necessitate an urgency to shift rapidly to low-carbon, efficient and environmentally-friendly energy systems, regardless of the industry involved.

In such energy systems, energy will come primarily from renewable resources, which are naturally replaced. Thus it is not surprising that the search for energy alternatives involving locally available and renewable resources is one of the main concerns of governments, scientists and business people worldwide. Usually, however, technological innovations are required to harness these renewable energy resources.

Tags Climate Change, Innovation

Energy Efficiency

Picking the Low-Hanging Fruit of Energy Efficiency

Post author By KM
Post date 15/12/2011
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Recovering Lost Energies in the Malaysian Utility Power Stations

Everyone in the know of renewable energy agrees that the best investment and what should be done first is energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is the low hanging fruit in the economy’s transition to less greenhouse gas emissions. Let’s look at it from the perspective of our Utility Power Stations.