Wire electroplating sludge sebagai katalis pembakaran batu bara

Abstract

A fuel additive (combustion catalyst) can improve the combustion efficiency by promoting complete oxidation of fuel. Combustion catalyst in this research was composed of wire electroplating sludge dispersed in a mixture of vegetable oil, water, and surfactant. Four types of catalyst suspensions were prepared, namely A (2% sludge); B (3% sludge); C (2% sludge, 3% oxalyc acid); and D (3% sludge, 3% oxalyc acid). Addition of oxalyc acid in catalyst suspension C and D showed significant effects on combustion efficiency. Each suspension was applied in coal having caloric value of 5235.09 cal/g. The concentration of catalyst suspension in coal was about ±0.1% w/w. The results of activity test by using differential thermal analyzer showed that the energy efficiency from catalyst A was 62.21%, B: 97.19%, C: 77.96%, and D: 97.54%. Catalyst D (3% sludge, 3% oxalyc acid) is the best catalyst suspension that can be used as coal combustion catalyst.