Beneficiation of sugarcane bagasse for materials development and energy generation in South Africa

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Beneficiation of sugarcane bagasse for materials development and energy generation in South Africa"

Transcription

1 Beneficiation of sugarcane bagasse for materials development and energy generation in South Africa Nonhlanhla P. Cele* Temperature and Humidity Laboratory 8/14/2017 A hallmark of measurement excellence

2 Objectives Investigate alternative uses of sugar biproduct Analyze the opportunity of electricity supply Optimize sugarcane industry as a multipurpose (food, ethanol and electricity production) 8/14/2017 Have you Ever wondered who is responsible for traceability of measurements in South Africa?

3 Introduction Sugarcane Industry in South Africa The South African sugar industry is one of the world s leading cost-competitive producers of high quality sugar Ranking in the top 15 out of approximately 120 sugar producing countries worldwide. 14 sugarcane mills 8/14/2017 A measurement centre of excellence

4 Introduction Sugarcane Industry in South Africa Aproximately one million people in rural area, or 2% of South Africa s population, depend on the sugar industry for a living There are approximately direct jobs and indirect jobs. The dti Strategy for the South African sugar industry recognises that value addition is critical to the sustainability and survival of the local industry in order to preserve and enhance job creation Approximately 75% of the area of sugarcane harvested in South Africa is dryland (relying on rainfall) and 25% is irrigated, and as such the impact of drought is widespread In line with developments in the global sugar sector, it has the potential to be a producer of renewable energy, bio-fuels and bioplastics Land reforms: transfer of 22% of freehold land under commercial sugar cane production from white growers to black growers. 8/14/2017 South Frican Sugar Association

5 Sugarcane Bagasse Sugarcane bagasse plant residue remaining after the extraction of juice from sugar cane. A good candidate for the production of renewable energy. For every 10 tons of sugarcane crushed, produces 3 tons of bagasse Advantage high calorific/energy value Disadvantage low energy efficiency Tons of sugarcane crushed per year 2008/ / / / / / / / /14/2017 South African Sugar Association

6 Generation of Electricity from Sugarcane bagasse Cogeneration of bagasse is one of the most successful energy project, demonstrated in many sugarcane producing countries (Brazil, India) 8/14/2017 Support the country s trade

7 Generation of Electricity from Sugarcane bagasse in SA Combustion - sugarcane bagasse is fed to a specially designed furnace, at about 6 MPa and 495 C South Africa situation - sugarcane bagasse is burned to generate electricity and heat for own use at sugar mills, meet internal energy requirements, 23% energy efficiency Implementation for energy efficiency measures is essential to nationalize sugarcane bagasse as a renewable energy source 8/14/2017 Support the country s trade

8 Energy Efficiency Factors Controlled combustion chambers Reduced moisture content Pellets formation will increase energy content and bulk density (handling, storage and transport) 8/14/2017 Have you Ever wondered who is responsible for traceability of measurements in South Africa?

9 Preliminary results Effect of moisture content on energy value of bagasse Moisture content (%) Energy/calorific value (kj/kg) A grade coal has energy/calorific value of kj/kg 8/14/2017 Have you Ever wondered who is responsible for traceability of measurements in South Africa?

10 Future studies Full characterization of sugarcane bagasse Effect of moisture (sugarcane bagasse) Effect humidity in crops (sugarcane) Effect of sugarcane crushing techniques Effect of combustion chambers Effect of pellets size Development of the Moisture National Measurement Standard NRCS, SABS and SANS 8/14/2017 Have you Ever wondered who is responsible for traceability of measurements in South Africa?

11 Acknowledgements NMISA Tshwane University of Technology University of Witwatersrand University of Johannesburg NRF 8/14/2017 Enable the protection of the environment

12 Thank you 8/14/2017 Enable the protection of the environment