Evaluation of Energy Properties of Mixed Biomass Charcoal Derived from Coconut, Palmyra Palm Nuts and Doum Palm Nuts Shells
Damgou Mani Kongnine,
Pali Kpelou,
N’Gissa Attah,
Essowè Mouzou
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2021
Pages:
17-21
Received:
6 May 2021
Accepted:
27 May 2021
Published:
4 June 2021
Abstract: Organic waste generally has low calorific value. Thus, an energy densification procedure is necessary before their use as fuel. Studies have shown that the calorific value of the mixture of charcoals can be higher than the calorific value of the isolated constituents. The aim of this study was to investigate the energy potential of the charcoals produced from coconut shells (CS), palmyra palm nuts shells (PPS), doum palm nuts shells (DPS) and their mixtures in order to identify the rate of mixture allowing the improvement of their calorific value. The raw biomasses were carbonized in a homemade carbonizer. The charcoals obtained were ground into powder. Then samples of, pure biomass charcoals (CS100, PPS100, DPS100), double mixtures of 50% of each biomass charcoals (CS50-PPS50, CS50-DPS50, PPS50-DPS50) and triple mixtures of (CS33-PPS33-DPS33, CS40-PPS30-DPS30, CS50-PPS25-DPS25, CS25-PPS50-DPS25, CS25-PPS25-DPS50) were made (the number corresponds to the content of each biomass charcoal in mass. Then, some of their energy parameters such as lower calorific value and energy per unit volume associated to bulk density were explored. The results showed that for pure samples, coconut shells charcoal presented the highest lower calorific value (28.059 MJ. kg-1), followed by charcoal (27.054 MJ/kg), then doum palm nuts shells biochar (26.929 MJ. kg-1) and finally 26.111 MJ. kg-1 for palmyra palm nuts shells charcoal. Similarly, with the highest bulk density of 0.625 g/cm3 coconut shells charcoal presented the highest energy per unit volume (17 536.880 J/cm3), whereas with the lowest bulk density of 0.415 g/cm3, doum palm nuts shells charcoal presented the lowest energy per unit volume. Coconut shells biomass charcoal energy per volume unit was significantly higher than that of charcoal used as control (13 905.760 J/cm3). For samples made up of mixtures, the lower calorific values obtained were lower than that of the most energetic pure biomass charcoal. Moreover, by comparing these measurements with the weighted average values of the calorific value of the mixtures, only the samples CS50-PPS25-DPS25 (27.623 MJ/kg) and CS40-PPS30-DPS30 (27.583 MJ/kg) showed an increase of the calorific value, higher than that of wood charcoal bought in the local market and used as reference (27.054 MJ/kg). However, for the others compositions, a decrease in calorific value was recorded.
Abstract: Organic waste generally has low calorific value. Thus, an energy densification procedure is necessary before their use as fuel. Studies have shown that the calorific value of the mixture of charcoals can be higher than the calorific value of the isolated constituents. The aim of this study was to investigate the energy potential of the charcoals pr...
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Comparing Resource Plays in the Texas and New Mexico Permian Basin – Implications for Exploration Research
Mary Naadanswa Adu-Gyamfi,
Peter Golding,
Luis Perez,
Anand Raj
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2021
Pages:
22-29
Received:
22 April 2021
Accepted:
21 May 2021
Published:
25 June 2021
Abstract: The Permian Basin in Western Texas and North Eastern New Mexico is an energy powerhouse. With three sub-basins i.e., Delaware, Central Basin Platform and Midland Basin producing hydrocarbons from both conventional and unconventional plays, the Texan Permian has been a focus of more interest from energy companies than the North-Western Shelf of the basin in New Mexico. However, the less explored North Western shelf of the basin in New Mexico furnishes equal opportunity for oil and gas exploration companies for further exploration research and subsequent discoveries. This research is an attempt to showcase the exploration significance and highlight the gaps for in exploration research in the New Mexico Permian Basin. We compare the oil plays in both Texas and New Mexico Permian based on reservoir geology and basin architecture. Overall, The Permian Basin is dominated by carbonate reservoirs. They account for 75% of all oil production followed by clastics, which contribute 14%; then come the mixed clastics and carbonates accounting for 8%; and lastly cherts make up around 3%. The leading growing production zone is the San Andres platform (Northwest shelf) carbonate play (4.0 billion bbl) followed by the Leonard restricted platform carbonate play (3.3 billion bbl). The Lower Permian Horseshoe and Pennsylvanian plays are next (2.7 billion bbl) and lastly by the San Andres platform carbonate play contributes to the overall production (2.2 billion bbl). With known potential of shelf plays we determine that North Western Shelf has similar stratigraphy and extensive hydrocarbon potential yet to be researched and explored.
Abstract: The Permian Basin in Western Texas and North Eastern New Mexico is an energy powerhouse. With three sub-basins i.e., Delaware, Central Basin Platform and Midland Basin producing hydrocarbons from both conventional and unconventional plays, the Texan Permian has been a focus of more interest from energy companies than the North-Western Shelf of the ...
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