Journal of Environmental Hazards

New Quality Index and Classification Criteria of Charcoal Based on Experimental Results of Different International Standards

Abstract

Ahmed Alzahrani*, Mohamed Hassan and Hussain Alsalamah

The purpose of this study is to promote consistency in national and international charcoal testing protocols. The methods employed for assessing volatile matter and ash content in charcoal are rooted in empirical approaches, exhibiting significant variations across different countries. Within this study, the volatile matter content was gauged under two distinct treatment conditions, namely ISO 562 and ASTM D1762, while ash content was ascertained under two distinct treatment conditions, i.e., ASTM D3174 and ASTM D1762, across varying heating rates. A comparison of various characteristics, including fixed carbon, volatile substance, gross calorific values and ash levels, was done on charcoal samples made from Deer brand charcoal, Coconut sawdust, Palm tree debris and unknown natural products. Variations in volatile matter and ash content were produced by the choice of the technique used. Each criterion demonstrates distinctive qualities that could have an impact on the results. The results indicate a strong correlation between the high volatile content of the charcoals and their low calorific values. Charcoal made from natural products, specifically Indonesian products and Deer brand charcoal have been found to have high calorific values of 31557.2 and 31403.9 KJ/Kg, low volatile matter at 6.47 and 12% and minimal ash content at 2.4 and 2.9%, according to research conducted using the ASTM D1762 technique. Based on the experimental results and different international classification of charcoal, we derived classification criteria and quality index for the quality check of charcoal samples.