Comparative Real-time Assessment of Particulate Matter Emissions in Rice Husk Combustion

Abstract

Biomass combustion is the most traditional method for its utilization to obtain heat energy as a global source. However, combustion of biomass fuels has been associated with air pollution and emission of toxic pollutants such as particulates, if sufficient appropriate technology was not used. This study focuses on the comparative assessment of particulate matter (PM) of 10, 4, 2.5 and 1.0 µm. Real-time measurement of particulate matter was conducted in laboratory scale, using a Dust-track II aerosol counter and a Yamato F100 fixed bed combustion chamber, attached with a fabricated heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of the exhaust point for sampling. Combustion experiment was conducted for 3 min duration for each 1 g sample of rice husk for each temperature category (600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 °C). A mean value of 5 tests for each of the temperature category was carried out. Maximum PM₁₀ mass concentration was recorded at 600 °C and 1000 °C as 150.0 mg/m³ and 71.53 mg/m³ respectively, compared to 121.6 mg/m³ and 87.6 mg/m³ of PM_2.5. However, PM_2.5 mass concentration for temperatures of 700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C, was apparently higher than that of PM₁₀.