Palm kernel shells (or PKS) are the shell fractions left after the
nut has been removed after crushing in the Palm Oil mill. Kernel
shells are a fibrous material and can be easily handled in bulk
directly from the product line to the end use. Large and small
shell fractions are mixed with dust-like fractions and small
fibres.
Moisture content in kernel shells is low compared to other biomass
residues with different sources suggesting values between *1% and
*3%. Palm kernel shells contain residues of Palm Oil, which
accounts for its slightly higher heating value than average
lignocellulosic biomass. Compared to other residues from the
industry, it is a good quality biomass fuel with uniform size
distribution, easy handling, easy crushing, and limited biological
activity due to low moisture content.
