Removal of ash from sugarcane leaves and tops

This paper presents findings on the removal of ash from sugarcane leaves tops by applying two main techniques including biomass size selection and biomass washing. In the size selection technique, biomass samples were ground and sieved into <0.250, 0.250-0.425, 0.425-0.85 and 0.85-2.00 mm. In the washing technique, samples were washed with water and dilute acid solution. The biomass samples after being subjected to both techniques were analysed for their ash content. The result showed that the biomass particle size of 0.85-2.00 mm gave lowest ash content for both sugarcane leaves and sugarcane tops. It was also found that the effectiveness of the removal of ash from sugarcane leave and tops was mainly dependent on the washing solution and residence time applied. The most effective method for the ash removal was by hot water for 24 hours, which could remove up to 65.35% and 69.01% of the ash in sugarcane leave and tops.