Use of residue of corn-cob processing plant as fertilizer

B. K. Pathak (pathak@emailhost.ait.ac.th)
Mon, 26 Jul 1993 22:33:38 +0800 (SST)

A chemical plant in Thailand processes corn-cob to produce Furfural. After
extraction of the product, the residue slurry is thickened in the filter
presses to form residue cake which is very brittle and acidic (pH of about
2.5). At present the plant neutralizes this residue to pH value of 7 by
addition of Ca(OH)2 and then dry in drum dryer with their own boiler flue
gas down to a 35- 40% moisture.

The dried an neutralized residue is being presently burnt in the boiler as
fuel and as such they are getting some commercial value out of the
residue.

I as well as the industry wish to study its feasibilty of being utilized
as fertilizer for a higher commercial value. I would like to point out
here that according to some literature it contains about 40% cellulose,
40% lignin, 2.75% protein, 6-8% ash when tested on a bone dry basis. It is
our understanding that the residue can be converted into orgainc
fertilizer after composting. It can then be blended with other nutrients
(inorganic) to make a special blend which should act as fertilizer as well
as soil conditioner.

In case we continue our present practice to use it as fuel for boiler, we
would like to know the use of the second stage bybroduct which is alkaline
ash coming out of boiler with pH=11 and 20% CaO. We anticipate that such
ash can be of good use for acidic land.

Please let us have your opinions, comments or suggestions. Any information
or source of information in this regard is requested to post on the
SANET-Mg or send to me. Please feel free to cross post it.

I am eagerly looking forward to receiving your replies.

/Bikash Kumar PATHAK/
Research Associate
Division of Agril. & Food Engineering
Asian Institute of Technology
GPO Box 2754, Bangkok 10501, Thailand

Tel: (66-2)524 5485, 5450
Fax: (66-2)524-6200, 516-2126
E-mail: pathak@emailhost.ait.ac.th
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