A review of biomass ash related problems: Mechanism, solution, and outlook

• Published in: JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
• Main Authors: Abioye, Kunmi Joshua; Harun, Noorfidza Yub; Sufian, Suriati; Yusuf, Mohammad; Jagaba, Ahmad Hussaini; Ekeoma, Bernard Chukwuemeka; Kamyab, Hesam; Sikiru, Surajudeen; Waqas, Sharjeel; Ibrahim, Hussameldin
• Format: Review; Early Access
• Language: English
• Published: ELSEVIER SCI LTD 2024
• Subjects: Energy & Fuels
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001134553900001
• ISSN: 1743-9671; 1746-0220
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joei.2023.101490

The smooth combustion process of biomass is of great importance as the world transit away from the use of fossil fuels to embracing environmentally friendly and renewable energy. Ash-related problems, such as slagging, fouling, agglomeration, and corrosion, significantly disrupt the efficient operation of gasification systems, leading to unforeseen breakdowns. Potassium, a prevalent alkali metal in biomass, reacts with chlorine and sulfur in flue gas, generating troublesome compounds. This interaction constitutes the primary source of chal-lenges linked to biomass combustion processes. Additives, especially kaolin, an aluminum-silicate, proved most effective in capturing potassium during combustion, forming high-melting-point potassium aluminum silicate compounds. Hence, this paper provides a summary of issues related to biomass ash, explores the deposition mechanism, outlines methods to mitigate problems associated with ash, and concludes by introducing alum sludge as an outlook.