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assessment of a fuel’s energy potential Table 1: Ash content of some moisture (absorbed from the environ- seeds offset this disadvantage, making
and effi ciency. Mango seeds are notable biomass fuels ment). High moisture content reduces them a viable and effi cient biomass fuel
for their high GCV, typically averaging Ash content the net calorific value of the fuel because option. In conclusion, although mango
around 3,255-Kcal/kg. This places them Sawdust 8% energy is used to evaporate the water during seeds have a moisture content of about
among the top – ranking biomass fuels in combustion. It also impacts the handling, 28%, this challenge can be mitigated
terms of energy density and effi ciency. Turmeric spent 7% storage, and overall effi ciency of the fuel. through appropriate processing.
The graph below clearly illustrates how Coffee husk 10%
mango seeds compare favourably with Rice husk 15-20% While mango seeds possess a Success Story: Saint-Gobain’s
other biomass fuels, reaffi rming their Wood chips 6-8% moisture content of approximately sustainable transition
status as an optimal choice for energy 28%, this factor, when considered Saint-Gobain India Pvt. Ltd. – Glass
production applications. Cashew shell 15-20% alongside other parameters such as Business, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, is
Mango seeds 2% Gross Calorific Value (GCV) and a prominent manufacturer of solar control
The exceptional GCV of mango exceptionally low ash content of just ash content, reveals their significant glass, fire-resistant glass, and float glasses
seeds not only makes them a viable alter- 2%. This characteristic makes them advantages as a biomass fuel. The in India. Operating its largest manufactur-
native for traditional fossil fuels but also highly desirable for energy production, relatively high moisture content can ing plant in Tiruvallur, near Chennai, the
underscores their potential in advancing as it enhances combustion effi ciency be effectively managed or reduced company plays a significant role in India’s
transformed into a valuable biomass Technical specification of mango seeds: sustainable energy solutions. This high while reducing operational costs and through proper processing and drying glass manufacturing sector. In the past,
fuel for boilers, offering a sustainable A comparison with other loose biomass calorific value enables more effi cient environmental impact associated with techniques, thereby enhancing the Saint-Gobain’s Chennai unit utilised coal
energy solution. Utilising mango seeds fuels energy generation processes, offering ash disposal. The minimal ash content overall effi ciency and usability of for its boilers. However, in line with global
not only enhances economic value but Typically, the performance metrics enhanced energy output per unit mass in mango seeds not only ensures cleaner mango seeds as a fuel source. The sustainability standards and to reduce
also supports small-scale businesses of biomass-fuelled boilers are evaluated of fuel consumed. As global initiatives combustion, but also mitigates the risks high GCV and low ash content of mango emissions, the company sought a more
and contributes to environmental using Gross Calorific Value (GCV), Ash increasingly prioritize renewable energy of equipment damage and maintenance environmentally friendly alternative. Des-
sustainability. Content, and Moisture Level. Let’s sources and carbon footprint reduction, downtime caused by ash-related issues. Table 2: Moisture content of some pite coal’s cost-effectiveness and supply
understand how mango seeds standout. mango seeds emerge as a promising biomass fuels advantages, the company made the stra-
Innovative solution: Turning mango resource to meet these goals effectively. Compared to other biomass fuels that Moisture tegic decision to use biomass fuels about
seeds into biomass fuel Gross Calorific Value (GCV) In conclusion, the impressive GCV posi- often have higher ash content, such as content one and a half years ago. This transition
Buyofuel, a pioneering alternative GCV, also known as Higher Heat- tions mango seeds as a sustainable and sawdust, spent turmeric, coffee husk, rice Sawdust 30-40% was facilitated through collaboration with
fuels provider, saw an opportunity in ing Value (HHV), serves as a critical effi cient biomass fuel option. Their abi- husk, cashew shell, and wood chips, mango Turmeric spent 30-40% Buyofuel, India’s premier online market-
these overlooked seeds. With a vision metric for evaluating the energy con- lity to deliver substantial heat energy per seeds offer superior performance and re- place for biofuels.
for sustainability, Buyofuel began con- tent of fuels. It quantifies the total heat unit mass, coupled with their environ- liability. Their low ash content translates Coffee husk 12%
verting mango seeds into biomass fuel, energy released when a specific quan- mental benefits and operational effi - into more effi cient combustion processes, Rice husk 15-20% Buyofuel partnered with Saint-
transforming waste into a powerful tity of fuel undergoes complete com- ciencies, makes them a compelling choice improved energy output, and reduced Wood chips 25-30% Gobain to introduce biomass as a viable fuel
energy source. This innovative solution bustion and the resulting combustion for powering diverse energy applications emissions, thereby supporting sustainable Cashew shell 15-20% source. Initially, cashew shells were
not only addresses waste management products are cooled to a standard refe- and contributing to a greener future. energy practices and environmental con- introduced as biomass for their boilers due
issues, but also provides an eco-friendly, rence temperature. This measurement servation efforts. In conclusion, the low Mango seeds 28% to their high heat generation capacity,
cost-effective fuel alternative for includes the latent heat of vaporization Ash content ash content of mango seeds, combined
industrial boilers. of water, providing a comprehensive Ash content in biomass fuels refers with their high calorific value, positions
to the residue left behind after com- them as an optimal choice for biomass fuel
plete combustion, consisting of mineral
Mango seeds 3,255 3,500 applications. This characteristic not only
impurities that do not burn. This resi- enhances operational effi ciency and envi-
Cashew shell 3,000 3,500 due is measured as a percentage of the ronmental sustainability, but also under-
original fuel mass and plays a crucial
Wood chips 3,200 3,800 scores their potential to drive significant
role in determining fuel quality and its advancements in renewable energy Biofuels Transacted Direct CO 2 Social Costs Saved
Rice husk 3,000 3,500 impact on combustion equipment and solutions globally. Emissions Controlled
Coffee husk 3,200 3,600 the environment. High ash content can
significantly affect combustion effi - Moisture content
Turmeric spent 3,000 3,400 ciency, leading to issues such as slag- Moisture content is the amount of
Sawdust 2,700 3,000 ging and fouling in boilers, which water present in a fuel, expressed as a
necessitate additional maintenance and percentage of the fuel’s total weight. It CO 2 Emissions Reduced Landfi ll Emissions Avoided
2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 disposal efforts. Mango seeds stand out includes both inherent moisture (naturally
Fig. 1: Calorifi c values of some biomass fuels in the realm of biomass fuels with an occurring within the fuel) and external

192 Chemical Weekly October 8, 2024 Chemical Weekly October 8, 2024 193

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