Thermal Decomposition Plant
(TDP)

Traditionally, Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) was combusted in incinerator which used principle of natural draft and it was quite slow and inefficient. Furthermore, this type of incinerator polluted our environment by emitting large quantity of carbon monoxide due to incomplete combustion. Following the issuance of new Clean Air Regulation 2014 (CAR 2014) on 23rd Apr 2014, Palm Oil Miller in Malaysia were given 5 years grace period to comply with this regulation. This grace period has ended in year 2019. Hence, it is challenging for Palm Oil Millers in this regard as heap pilling of EFB could be a potential breading ground to pest and disease that will harm oil palm plantations nearby. Moreover, accumulation of EFB at palm oil mill could be potential fire hazard especially during dry weather. Besides, fermented EFB might also cause environmental issue as the oily liquid/juice residue from EFB would seep through into soil and possibly polluting ground water stream.

Thermal Decomposition Plant (TDP) could be the solution to before mentioned problem. Aiming for disposing of EFB with proper heat combustion while complying with CAR 2014 which provides win-win solution for both Palm Oil Miller and Environment. Predominantly, TDP comprised of a special designed furnace to thermal combust the shredded EFB. The flue gas from the combustion is duct into palm oil mill’s boiler system as additional heat source to improve boiler efficiency and eventually be cleaned by boiler’s air cleaning mechanism such as multi cyclone air cleaner, electrostatic precipitator air cleaner or wet scrubber air cleaner. Additionally, ashes form from TDP could be collected and used by oil palm plantation as source of fertilizer for oil palm and as soil neutralizer to acidic soil. Heat generated from Thermal Decomposition Plant process could be used to pre-drying of EFB and act as pre-heated air to increase boiler’s efficiency.