Comparative fixed/fluidized bed experiments for the thermal behaviour and environmental impact of olive kernel ash

Olive kernel can play an important role as a fuel for heat and power production in the island of Crete, substituting a large part of conventional fuels. However, combustion of this biofuel may create operational and environmental problems related to its inorganic constituents. Thus, the thermal behaviour of the ashes in terms of slagging and fouling propensities and their environmental impact upon disposal to local soils were investigated, through lab-scale fixed/fluidized bed combustion tests. Bottom and fly ashes were characterized by mineralogical, chemical, morphological and fusibility analyses, as well as standard leaching tests and the results under the different combustion configurations were compared.