Production of biopellet fuel from laurel residues and determination of its properties

Pellets were produced from laurel leaf and branch wastes, which were prepared in different mixing ratios, for biofuel production from the laurel leaf and bough wastes in the laurel leaf processing facilities in the province of Hatay. Mixtures to be made into pellets were named as Y25, Y50, Y75 and Y100 to express the leaf ratio (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). The moisture and bulk densities of the mixtures used in the study, consisting of laurel leaves and boughs, and the moisture content of the pellets obtained after pelleting, ash content, calorific value, bulk density, characteristic dimensions, mechanical durability, elemental analysis and flue gas analysis were determined using the relevant standards. The results of the analyzes and measurements made to determine some physical, chemical and thermal properties of these prepared mixtures and the pellets produced from them were evaluated. These determined properties of the pellets were compared with the relevant property limit values of the pellet quality classes prepared by the European Union Pellet Council and prepared according to the EN 14961-2 standard. As a result of these comparisons, it has been seen that the pellets comply with these standards in terms of moisture content, characteristic dimensions and thermal values. However, it was determined that the bulk density, mechanical strength and ash content properties were outside the limit values specified in the relevant standard. According to the flue gas emission values of the pellets produced, it has been found that it can be used as fuel in plants with a thermal power up to 150 kW and is environmentally suitable. It has been seen that the properties determined in the study of the laurel pellets can be used as biofuel by making the necessary corrections according to the limit values specified in the relevant national and international standards.