# Cashew Nut Shell Waste: Availability in Small-Scale Cashew

Authors: Atul Mohod; Sudhir  Jain; Ashok Powar
Journal: ISRN Renewable Energy
 (2011)

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## Abstract

The energy and mass flow of the steam cooking operation of three readily
defined small-scale cashew processing industries was studied to
estimate the availability of cashew nut shell. The proximate analysis
of cashew shell waste was carried out using ASTMD 73–75
method. The calorific value of the cashew shell was carried out using
bomb calorimeter (ASTME 711). The thermogravimetric analysis of the
cashew shell was carried out using TG-FTIR with
10∘C/minute heating rate. The study revealed that,
the small-scale cashew processing industries followed steam-cooking
process with average energy consumption accounted to be 2969.7 MJ per
1000 kg of raw cashew seed. The cashew shell waste generated
in small-scale cashew processing industries was found to be 67.5% of
total weight of cashew seed, which can be utilized as fuel for thermal
energy supply. The average higher calorific value of the cashew nut
shell was found to be 4890 kcal/kg. The thermogravimetric
analysis revealed that 85% weight of cashew nut shell has been
degraded at 500∘C and in 13 minutes. The
availability and fuel analysis of the cashew shell as a fuel revealed
its suitability as a supplementary fuel for thermal application
through pyrolysis in the industry.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

India is the largest producer and processor of cashews (Anacardium occidentale L.) in the world. Total area in India under cashew cultivation is about 8,68,000 ha with annual production of 6,65,000 tons giving average productivity 860 kg per hectare. India processed about 11,38,000 tones of raw cashew nut seeds through 3650 cashew processing mills scattered in many states of country [1].  The cashew mill in India employed different unit operations/methodology for processing and depending on variety of raw material, location, technological mechanization, and availability of secured energy supply. The most energy and time intensive unit operations in cashew processing are drying of raw seed in open sun, steaming of raw nut and kernel drying with electrical energy [2]. The steaming of raw cashew nut seed prior to cutting and shelling operation is widely adopted method in small-scale cashew nut processing mills. The cutting and shelling operation performed in the mill generates huge quantity of the cashew nut shell that is, about 67% of total weight of raw cashew nut seeds. A wide disparity in energy consumption to produce the same quantity of similar products in cashew processing was observed. The wide variations in energy intensity of these cashew mills reveal the scope for energy conservation to be in the order of 30 to 48%. [3]. The energy audit is an effective tool to explore the relationship between the energy consumed and production. It identifies the patterns, type, and efficiency of energy use, particularly in its more energy intensive processes [4]. The study of thermal energy consumption for steam generation with estimation and analysis of fuel properties of cashew nut shell may reveal the suitability of cashew nut shell as alternative feed stock. The generalized process flow chart of unit operations performed in the small-scale cashew nut processing industries is shown in Figure 1.Figure 1
Generalized process flow chart of small-scale cashew processing industries.


## 2. Methodology

The energy audit of three (03) small-scale cashew nut processing industries having fuel-based baby boiler and 60 kg/batch raw seed holding capacity steam cooker was carried out. The energy and mass flow of the steam cooking operation along with operational parameters was studied using maxi energy audit tool. The input raw material and output material and byproduct of steaming and cutting and separation operation was measured. The waste cashew shell was estimated in term of kg/1000 kg of raw cashew nut seeds. The known quantity of biomass fuel was measured before the utilization and the fuel consumption was noted by considering the balance amount of fuel after completion of the unit operation. The time required for the completion of the unit operation was measured using the electronics stopwatch. The number of labour engaged for the particular unit operation and the actual time spent to accomplish the task was noted using the electronic stopwatch. The energy used in the form of sources for unit operation in term joule per batch at rated capacity was converted into energy intensity, that is, Mega joule per 1000 kg of raw cashew seed. The energy used for steaming operation was computed astotal energy for steaming operation,(1)ESRf=Thermalenergy+Manualenergy,ESRf=WSRfCSRf+3.6[0.075NSRmtSRm],
where ESRis energy requirement for steaming (J), WSRfis quantity of fuel used (kg), CSRfis heating value of fuel used (J/kg), NSRmis number of persons involved, and tSRmis time taken for a particular operation.Number 3.6 is conversion factor for kW to kJ and 0.075 is the average output of adult man in kW.


### 2.1. Analysis of Cashew Nut Shell as Fuel

The proximate analysis (fraction of mass of moisture, volatile, ash, and fixed carbon) of a sample of biomass cashew nut shell was carried out using the standard analytical procedures.The proximate analysis of cashew nut shell waste was carried out using the analytical method ASTM-D-3173 to 3175 [5]. The fixed carbon was determined by difference. The higher heating value of solid fuels was determined by experiment of bomb calorimeter (ASTME-711). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of cashew nut shell was carried using Pyrix-6 of Parkin Elemer, USA analyzer to study the thermal decomposition behavior of cashew nut shell in relation to the thermal gasification.


## 2.1. Analysis of Cashew Nut Shell as Fuel

The proximate analysis (fraction of mass of moisture, volatile, ash, and fixed carbon) of a sample of biomass cashew nut shell was carried out using the standard analytical procedures.The proximate analysis of cashew nut shell waste was carried out using the analytical method ASTM-D-3173 to 3175 [5]. The fixed carbon was determined by difference. The higher heating value of solid fuels was determined by experiment of bomb calorimeter (ASTME-711). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of cashew nut shell was carried using Pyrix-6 of Parkin Elemer, USA analyzer to study the thermal decomposition behavior of cashew nut shell in relation to the thermal gasification.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Estimation of Energy for Steaming and Mass of Cashew Shell Waste

The result obtained from the maxi energy audit of the steaming of raw seed and cutting and separation operation in small-scale cashew processing industries is summarized in Table1.Table 1
Energy consumption(MJ/1000 kg)  for steaming in sscpi (60 kg/batch).
Unit operationsEnergy consumption MJ/1000 kg of raw seedSolarThermalElectricalManualTotalSteaming of raw seed—2969.70—17.182986.88Cutting and separation———112.91112.91It is observed that the steaming of raw seed appears to be the energy-intensive operation with total energy used of about 2986.8 MJ/1000 kg of raw seeds in 60-kg/batch capacity industries. The thermal energy used for the steaming of raw cashew seed using the baby boiler operated on the biomass was found to be 2969.7 MJ/1000 kg of raw cashew seeds. The energy used and input, out of mass for steaming and cutting and separation operation is shown in Figure2.Figure 2
Energy and mass flow of steaming and cutting operation in sscp industries.


### 3.2. Analysis of Cashew Nut Shell

The result obtained from the proximate analysis (fraction of mass of moisture, volatile, ash, and fixed carbon) and heating value of cashew nut shell is summarized in Table2.Table 2
Proximate analysis and heating value of cashew nut shell.
SNPropertyCashew nut shell1Moisture Content, %06.47   (ASTMD-3173)2Volatile Matter, %72.00 (ASTMD-3175)3Ash Content, %01.05  (ASTMD-3174)4Fixed Carbon, %20.48  (By difference)5Higher Heating Value, Kcal/M34890.23 (ASTME711)The proximate analysis of cashew nut shell revealed the suitability of the fuel for gasification. It is observed that the average moisture content of cashew nut shell waste was found to be 6.47%. The moisture content of the fuels under study is in the acceptable limit (below 15%) to ensure free flow and good quality gas production. The average of volatile matter content in cashew nut shell was found to be 72%. The higher amount of volatile matter revealed the suitability of the fuel for gasification. Also the data indicated that, the average ash content of the cashew nut shell was found to be 1.05% which revealed their suitability for the gasification with minimum blocking of flow of air and fuel, formation of clinkers, and so forth. The most desirable component, which governed the suitability of the fuel for gasification, that the average fixed carbon was found to be 20.48% in cashew nut shell. The heating value of fuel is the major factor determining the suitability of fuel for gasification. The results obtained showed that the average higher heating value of the cashew nut shell was found to be 4890.23 kcal/Kg. The result obtained from the laboratory testing of the characterization of the biomass fuel for gasification is found similar to that of the earlier studies carried out [4, 6–8].


### 3.3. Thermogravimetric Analysis of Deoiled Cashew Shell

The thermogram was obtained in inert an environment for cashew nut shell using the heating rate (HR) of 1°C/min by raising the temperature from 33°C to 1000°C. The result obtained from the thermogravimetric analysis of the cashew nut shell in term of percentage weight loss with respect to time and temperature is summarized in Table3. The variation of the percentage weight loss with respect to time of thermal decomposing and rise in temperature to cause the thermal decomposing were shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively.Table 3
Percentage weight loss of cashew nut shell with time and temperature.
Sr. no.Time, Min.Derivative weight Loss, %Temperature, °CDerivative weight loss, %10.0099.859433.0299.859421.0099.504573.0298.843443.0097.7344143.0296.163965.0094.1190223.0292.015387.0087.7241303.0278.1301109.0053.5274383.0234.89031211.0025.4211463.0220.53591413.0015.9919543.0215.23361615.0014.1733623.0213.75131817.0012.9808703.0212.67722019.0012.0732783.0211.82672221.0011.2810863.0211.07942423.0010.5957943.0210.39222524.0010.2130966.0210.1759Figure 3
Variation of weight loss of cashew nut shell with decomposition time.Figure 4
Variation of weight loss of cashew nut shell with rise in temperature.It is observed that, the moisture removal lasted up to 250°C at the heating rate of 1°C/min. The release of lighter volatiles initiated in the range of 220 to 280°C and continued up to 340 to 380°C. There was lag of 40°C between the cellulosic and hemicellulosic decomposition of material. The lighter volatile noticed in the range of 44–52%. The analysis for oxidation temperature (T0) at the HR indicated that T0 increase with HR. The quantum of T0 variation indicated that the cashew nut shell is gasifiable as similar to that of wood.


## 3.1. Estimation of Energy for Steaming and Mass of Cashew Shell Waste

The result obtained from the maxi energy audit of the steaming of raw seed and cutting and separation operation in small-scale cashew processing industries is summarized in Table1.Table 1
Energy consumption(MJ/1000 kg)  for steaming in sscpi (60 kg/batch).
Unit operationsEnergy consumption MJ/1000 kg of raw seedSolarThermalElectricalManualTotalSteaming of raw seed—2969.70—17.182986.88Cutting and separation———112.91112.91It is observed that the steaming of raw seed appears to be the energy-intensive operation with total energy used of about 2986.8 MJ/1000 kg of raw seeds in 60-kg/batch capacity industries. The thermal energy used for the steaming of raw cashew seed using the baby boiler operated on the biomass was found to be 2969.7 MJ/1000 kg of raw cashew seeds. The energy used and input, out of mass for steaming and cutting and separation operation is shown in Figure2.Figure 2
Energy and mass flow of steaming and cutting operation in sscp industries.


## 3.2. Analysis of Cashew Nut Shell

The result obtained from the proximate analysis (fraction of mass of moisture, volatile, ash, and fixed carbon) and heating value of cashew nut shell is summarized in Table2.Table 2
Proximate analysis and heating value of cashew nut shell.
SNPropertyCashew nut shell1Moisture Content, %06.47   (ASTMD-3173)2Volatile Matter, %72.00 (ASTMD-3175)3Ash Content, %01.05  (ASTMD-3174)4Fixed Carbon, %20.48  (By difference)5Higher Heating Value, Kcal/M34890.23 (ASTME711)The proximate analysis of cashew nut shell revealed the suitability of the fuel for gasification. It is observed that the average moisture content of cashew nut shell waste was found to be 6.47%. The moisture content of the fuels under study is in the acceptable limit (below 15%) to ensure free flow and good quality gas production. The average of volatile matter content in cashew nut shell was found to be 72%. The higher amount of volatile matter revealed the suitability of the fuel for gasification. Also the data indicated that, the average ash content of the cashew nut shell was found to be 1.05% which revealed their suitability for the gasification with minimum blocking of flow of air and fuel, formation of clinkers, and so forth. The most desirable component, which governed the suitability of the fuel for gasification, that the average fixed carbon was found to be 20.48% in cashew nut shell. The heating value of fuel is the major factor determining the suitability of fuel for gasification. The results obtained showed that the average higher heating value of the cashew nut shell was found to be 4890.23 kcal/Kg. The result obtained from the laboratory testing of the characterization of the biomass fuel for gasification is found similar to that of the earlier studies carried out [4, 6–8].


## 3.3. Thermogravimetric Analysis of Deoiled Cashew Shell

The thermogram was obtained in inert an environment for cashew nut shell using the heating rate (HR) of 1°C/min by raising the temperature from 33°C to 1000°C. The result obtained from the thermogravimetric analysis of the cashew nut shell in term of percentage weight loss with respect to time and temperature is summarized in Table3. The variation of the percentage weight loss with respect to time of thermal decomposing and rise in temperature to cause the thermal decomposing were shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively.Table 3
Percentage weight loss of cashew nut shell with time and temperature.
Sr. no.Time, Min.Derivative weight Loss, %Temperature, °CDerivative weight loss, %10.0099.859433.0299.859421.0099.504573.0298.843443.0097.7344143.0296.163965.0094.1190223.0292.015387.0087.7241303.0278.1301109.0053.5274383.0234.89031211.0025.4211463.0220.53591413.0015.9919543.0215.23361615.0014.1733623.0213.75131817.0012.9808703.0212.67722019.0012.0732783.0211.82672221.0011.2810863.0211.07942423.0010.5957943.0210.39222524.0010.2130966.0210.1759Figure 3
Variation of weight loss of cashew nut shell with decomposition time.Figure 4
Variation of weight loss of cashew nut shell with rise in temperature.It is observed that, the moisture removal lasted up to 250°C at the heating rate of 1°C/min. The release of lighter volatiles initiated in the range of 220 to 280°C and continued up to 340 to 380°C. There was lag of 40°C between the cellulosic and hemicellulosic decomposition of material. The lighter volatile noticed in the range of 44–52%. The analysis for oxidation temperature (T0) at the HR indicated that T0 increase with HR. The quantum of T0 variation indicated that the cashew nut shell is gasifiable as similar to that of wood.


## 4. Conclusion

The study revealed that the thermal energy used for the steaming of raw cashew seed using the baby boiler operated on the biomass could be meeting from the cashew shell waste generated in the industries itself. The cashew shell waste generated in small-scale cashew processing industries was found to be 67.5% of total weight of cashew seed, which can be utilized as fuel for thermal energy supply. The average higher calorific value of the cashew nut shell was found to be 4890 kcal/kg. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that0 85% weight of cashew nut shell has been degraded at 500°C and in 13 minutes. The fuel properties of the cashew nut shell waste available in the industries revealed its suitability for gasification. The proper utilization of the cashew nut shell waste through gasification route will conserve the biomass fuel and make the industries self-sustainable for thermal energy.



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*Source: 346191-2011-09-11.xml*