Hot water washing of rice husk for ash removal

Abstract

The improvement of combustion quality of rice husk can be achieved by water washing as pre-treatment. Particle size and temperature are important parameters to consider when washing biomass. Conductivity of the washing water was measured to identify the leaching behaviour of ash constituents. Up to 25.2% of ash removal was observed at 750C with 1-1.4mm particle size sample. Compositions of ash constituents were determined to calculate fouling tendency index. Results shows a significant reduction of ash constituents; Fe, K, Al, Ti and P as water temperature increases. In contrast Ca, Mg and Na got increased by water washing.