Evaluation of the Combustion Process of Pellets from Herbaceous Biomass with the Addition of Kaolin and Urea Solution in Low-Power Boilers

Małgorzata Dula, Artur Kraszkiewicz (), Anna Krawczuk and Stanisław Parafiniuk
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Małgorzata Dula: University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka Street 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Artur Kraszkiewicz: Department of Machine Operation and Production Processes Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka Street 28, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
Anna Krawczuk: Department of Machine Operation and Production Processes Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka Street 28, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
Stanisław Parafiniuk: Department of Machine Operation and Production Processes Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka Street 28, 20-612 Lublin, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-21

Abstract: In this study, an analysis was carried out of the combustion of pellets made from chamomile and English ryegrass biomass, including those with the addition of kaolin and urea, in terms of their physical and chemical properties. During combustion tests with synchronized timing, the concentrations of CO 2 , CO, NO, and SO 2 in the flue gases were measured, along with the temperatures of the supplied air and the flue gases. The addition of kaolin improved combustion parameters, reduced CO emissions, and stabilized the combustion process, despite the deterioration of the mechanical durability of the pellets. Combustion in the drop-in burner (type B tests) showed higher energy efficiency (CEI) and lower flue gas toxicity (TI) than in the grate system (type A tests). The SiO 2 content in the chamomile ash explained its higher resistance to slagging, confirmed by characteristic ash temperatures. Comparison with other biofuels (straw, hay, sawdust) showed similarities or advantages in terms of reducing CO, NO, and SO 2 emissions. NO emissions were lower for pellets with urea and kaolin added, although in the case of biomass with high nitrogen content these relationships require further improvement. The research results indicate the potential of herbaceous biomass as a fuel in local heating systems. However, modification of such fuels is also associated with the need for further research on reducing emissions during unstabilized combustion phases, with particular emphasis on the ignition phase.

Keywords: herbaceous biomass; pellets’ combustion; CO emission; NO emission; SO 2 emission (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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