Why palm kernel shell is suitable for high-quality charcoal

Palm kernel shell charcoal

Palm kernel shell (PKS), as a by-product of the palm oil industry, has become a "star raw material" for biomass charcoal production in recent years due to its unique physical and chemical properties.

Why palm kernel shell is suitable for high-quality charcoal

• High carbon density: The carbon content of palm kernel shell is 45%-55%, and the fixed carbon ratio after carbonization can reach more than 75%, which is close to hardwood charcoal (80%) and far exceeds straw raw materials (about 60%).
• High calorific value: Its combustion calorific value reaches 4500-5000 kcal/kg, which is equivalent to ordinary charcoal (5000-5500 kcal/kg), and the burning time is longer, which is suitable for barbecue, industrial heating and other scenarios.
• The ash content is only 3%-5%: much lower than coconut shell (8%-10%) or coal (10%-30%), less residue after combustion, and reduced cleaning costs.
• Sulfur content <0.1%: almost no irritating smoke, in line with the EU EN1860-2 barbecue charcoal standard, no environmental barriers to export to the European and American markets.
• High fiber hardness: Palm kernel shells naturally have a honeycomb structure, and the particles have strong bonding after crushing. They can be directly pressed into high-density carbon blocks (density ≥1.2g/cm³) by a biomass molding machine without adding a binder, and the mechanical strength is increased by 30%.
• Moisture content adaptation: The moisture content after natural air drying is about 10%-15%, which perfectly matches the process requirements of carbonization furnaces or continuous carbon powder production lines.
• The global annual output exceeds 20 million tons: mainly produced in Southeast Asia, Africa and other major palm oil producing areas, and the cost of obtaining raw materials is almost zero.
• The African market has great potential: Taking Nigeria as an example, more than 3 million tons of discarded palm kernel shells are produced each year. If converted into charcoal, it can replace more than 50% of traditional logging needs and alleviate the pressure on forest resources.
• High carbonization yield: 1 ton of palm kernel shell can produce 300-350kg charcoal (yield 30%-35%), while ordinary wood only produces 20%-25%.
• Quick return on investment: Taking a small charcoal plant in Africa as an example, a palm shell carbonization production line (5 tons per day) has an investment of about US$80,000. Based on the wholesale price of charcoal of US$500/ton, it can be recovered in 8-12 months.

Which regions are suitable for palm kernel shell charcoal business?

The palm kernel shell charcoal industry has the greatest development potential in Southeast Asia (such as Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.), Africa (such as Nigeria, Ghana, etc.), South America (Brazil, Colombia), etc. These places have sufficient raw materials, which can ensure the sustainability of charcoal production and facilitate the development of related businesses.

Europe and East Asia have a huge demand for charcoal, and are also suitable for charcoal business. Europe and Japan and South Korea have strict requirements for carbon neutrality goals. Certified palm kernel shell charcoal (such as EN1860-2 standard) has become the first choice for industrial heating and clean energy due to its low sulfur (<0.1%) and low ash (3%-5%) characteristics.

Why choose EP charcoal machine equipment to process palm kernel shells?

In view of its high hardness characteristics, the palm shell special carbonization unit developed by EP Machinery integrates the following technologies:

• Dual-stage crushing system: crush the raw materials into 3-5mm particles to ensure uniform carbonization
• High-temperature resistant ring die briquetting machine: the pressing density reaches 1.3g/cm³, reducing transportation losses
• Intelligent temperature control carbonization furnace: accurately adjust the pyrolysis temperature of 300-600℃, and reduce tar emissions by 40%