การใช้ก้อนเชื้อเห็ดที่ใช้แล้วเป็นวัตถุดิบสำหรับผลิตเม็ดเชื้อเพลิงชีวมวล :  ผลของความชื้นต่อการอัดเม็ด

Siwakorn Nonsawang; Singrun Charee; Khunnithi Doungpueng; Chanin Oupathum; Pisal Muenkaew; Kantapon Premprayoon

Authors

Siwakorn Nonsawang Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Singrun Charee Faculty of Agricultural Technology and Agro-Industry, Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, PhraNakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Khunnithi Doungpueng Faculty of Technical Education, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Khon Kaen Campus, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Chanin Oupathum Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Khon Kaen Campus, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Pisal Muenkaew Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Khon Kaen Campus, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Kantapon Premprayoon Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Khon Kaen Campus, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Keywords:

Spent Mushroom Substrate, Biomass Pellet, Waste Management

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is an agricultural byproduct generated in large quantity from mushroom cultivation, posing environmental concerns if not properly managed. Converting SMS into biomass pellets presents a sustainable waste management approach that enhances resource utilization and supports circular bioeconomy principles. However, moisture content significantly affects the pelletization process and the final product quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of moisture content level on the production efficiency and quality of biomass pellets derived from SMS, focusing on bulk density, mechanical durability, calorific value and specific energy consumption.

Methodology: SMS obtained from mushroom farms in Thailand was utilized. The substrate was sun-dried for 1, 3, 6, 7, and 9 days to achieve different moisture content levels, i.e., MC32 (31.52%), MC27 (27.05%), MC21 (21.41%), MC15 (15.23%) and MC8 (7.77%), respectively. Each dried substrate was pelletized using a rotary die pellet mill with a die diameter of 6 mm. The produced biomass pellets were evaluated for several properties, including production efficiency, pellet formation capacity, dimensional characteristics, bulk density, mechanical durability and calorific value. All results were compared with relevant standards to determine the optimal moisture content for biomass pellets production.

Main Results: Moisture content significantly influenced both production efficiency and pellet quality. High moisture content (MC32) resulted in the highest production rate (27.78 kg/hr) and the lowest energy consumption (92.26 Whr/kg); mechanical durability of the pellets was nevertheless below the standard value. Conversely, low moisture content (MC8) provided pellets with sufficient durability, but resulted in low production efficiency and the lowest pellet formation percentage (78.56%). The optimal moisture content range was MC15–MC21, which resulted in high pellet formation (90.72%), maximum mechanical durability (97.79%) and bulk density of 540–568 kg/m³, aligning with EN ISO 17225-6 standards, although slightly below the Thai Industrial Standard TIS 2772-2560 for bulk density. The calorific value ranged from 14.63–14.68 MJ/kg, exceeding all minimum standard requirements.

Conclusions: Production of biomass fuel pellets from SMS is plausible, with moisture content playing a crucial role in determining the pellet quality. Moderate moisture levels (15–21%) were found to be optimal for pelletization as they enhance pellets formation, mechanical durability and bulk density, while also providing calorific values that meet standard requirements. Controlling the moisture content of a raw material is a key strategy for improving the pellets production process from this type of agricultural waste.

Practical Application: Utilizing SMS as a raw material for the production of biomass pellets as an alternative renewable energy source exhibits potential for the reduction of waste from the mushroom cultivation industry. The present study provides a guideline for improving the efficiency of biomass pellets production and may be extended to other agricultural residues in the future. Furthermore, it aligns with the principles of circular economy by promoting efficient resource utilization.

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