Combustion of olive tree pruning pellets versus sunflower husk pellets at industrial boiler. Monitoring of emissions and combustion efficiency

The aim of the present paper is to compare combustion results two solid biofuels suitable for industrial applications: olive tree pruning (OTP) pellets and sunflower husk (SH) pellets. former derives from thin prunings, along with leaves, whereas latter as a byproduct oil extraction industries. was performed in operating conditions at fixed bed biomass boilers (1.16 MWth capacity each) common flue gas stack used greenhouse heating. Combustion tests were boiler consecutive days. During first day, OTP combusted monitored emissions, second day reference fuel that normally plant (SH pellets) monitored. While combusting pellets, boiler’s performance found exhibit slightly worse, leading decrease 3.5% points efficiency compared SH Lower emissions CO NOx also observed while ash formation exhibited signs reduced slagging. Dust high both fuels, indicating particle emission abatement equipment should be installed facility.