Wave of the Future: Dried Palm Fronds a Prickly Bioenergy Source Dust collection system is a vital part of the processing stream
Problem: A bioenergy facility converting biomass feedstock into biofuel and electrical power needed a dust collection system to capture the resulting particulates from the palm frond drying process, which had a low bulk density and potential combustibility.
Solution: Sly LLC installed a dust collection system and baghouse with special modifications designed to manage the lightweight, potentially combustible particulates resulting from drying the biomass feedstock, in this case, palm fronds. The baghouse incorporated a higher rear inlet for particulate collection and explosion-proof venting. In addition, the baghouse was constructed to withstand 140 MPH winds for a facility located in a region subject to severe weather.
Fueled by sustainability goals to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the global bioenergy market is forecasted to grow by more than $80 billion by 2027, or a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) above 7%. Bioenergy facilities typically rely on more than one type of biomass feedstock to ensure a consistent supply of material, consisting of plants, wood, or waste. One bioenergy plant utilizing palm fronds as biomass feedstock for electricity production needed a dust collection system to capture particulates resulting from the drying process used to transform palm fronds into a suitable fuel.
Carrier Vibrating, the parent company of Sly, LLC, supplied a fluidized bed dryer to bring the palm fronds to a suitable moisture level. Sly baghouses for dust collection are designed to work well with Carrier systems. This corporate synergy enabled the bioenergy facility to leverage the expertise of both firms for a complete solution to create renewable energy.
Among the different energy or biomass material streams for this bioenergy plant is one dedicated solely to waste biomass (yard and wood waste). As power plants continue to explore various potential feedstock sources for biomass fuel purposes, it helps to work with a company with a proven track record. Sly has been in the dust collection business since 1874 and can tailor and modify its equipment to capture particulates safely and effectively, no matter what the substrate.
Palm Fronds Pose a Prickly Problem as Green Waste
Palm trees shed their greenery or leaves, which turn into withered fronds after falling on the ground. These fronds are considered yard waste. Many green waste facilities reject them. Among the challenges, palm fronds present for green waste management are size, thorns, and messy seeds. The biggest challenge, however, is the fibrous nature of palm fronds, with their wiry strands capable of wrapping around machinery to the point of breaking it and causing shutdowns.
In addition, the palm fronds’ fibrous nature also slows decomposition, taking up to 50 years to fully biodegrade. Due to this lengthy biodegradation timeframe, the fronds often end up in landfills, with municipalities either banning them outright from green waste facilities or charging extra for their disposal.