<![CDATA[Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) empty fruit bunches (EFB) have not been utilized optimally. Currently, it is considered as a resource with low economic value. This biomass can be converted into bioenergy through a torrefaction process. Torrefaction is a mild pyrolysis at temperatures ranging between 200 and 300 °C, and it is generally performed under an inert atmosphere. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of torrefaction using Counter-Flow Multi Baffle (COMB) on the properties of oil palm EFB pellets. Torrefaction was conducted at 280 °C temperature with a residence time of 4 minutes. The results showed a decrease in the equilibrium moisture content and an increase in hydrophobicity after torrefaction using the COMB reactor. The change in the hygroscopic property could make the oil palm EFB pellet more stable against chemical oxidation and microbial degradation, hence self-heating and auto-ignition during storage could be prevented. The heating value of biomass increased after torrefaction. Torrefaction with the COMB reactor resulted in a heating value of 17.90 MJ/kg, which is comparable with the results of oxidative torrefaction (with longer residence time) of 18.28 MJ/kg. The results suggested that torrefaction using the COMB reactor could provide a great improvement in the quality of the bioenergetic properties of oil palm EFB pellets. However, the high ash content of the EFB pellets implied that the EFB pellets suitable for a small-scale application, but not yet for cofiring in power plants or as a feedstock for gasification.]]>
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