What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to optimize the co-gasification process of empty fruit bunch and low-density polyethylene using plasma technology to improve syngas quality.

June 17, 2026Open Access

Advanced co-gasification of low-density polyethylene and empty fruit bunch using air-thermal arc plasma: parametric optimization and syngas characterization

Key Points

This study aims to optimize the co-gasification process of empty fruit bunch and low-density polyethylene using plasma technology to improve syngas quality.
Utilized air-assisted thermal arc plasma for gasification process
Varying equivalence ratio (0.13–0.21) and blending ratio (100:0 to 70:30)
Analyzed syngas composition, higher and lower heating values, cold gas efficiency, and carbon conversion efficiency.
At optimal conditions (BR 70:30 and ER 0.17), H2 production was 12.87% and CO was 25.91%.
The higher heating value (HHV) was 5.62 MJ/Nm3; lower heating value (LHV) was 5.30 MJ/Nm3.
Cold gas efficiency (CGE) reached 20.05% and carbon conversion efficiency (CCE) was 50.89%.

Abstract

The present study examines the advanced co-gasification of empty fruit bunch (EFB), a by-product of the palm oil industry, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a widely used plastic, using air-assisted thermal arc plasma to produce an improved quality of syngas. The experiment investigates the effect of varying the equivalence ratio (ER) (0.13–0.21) and blending ratio (BR) (from 100:0 to 70:30) on syngas composition, higher heating value (HHV), lower heating value (LHV), cold gas efficiency (CGE), and carbon conversion efficiency (CCE). The results showed that increasing both ER and LDPE content increases H2 and CO production due to LDPE’s high carbon and hydrogen content, as well as the process conditions that are prone to endothermic reactions, which are facilitated by the plasma conditions. The optimum condition was observed at a BR of 70:30 (EFB׃LDPE) and ER of 0.17, where it is producing 12.87% (volume fraction) H2, 25.91% CO, a HHV of 5.62 MJ/Nm3, LHV of 5.30 MJ/Nm3, CGE of 20.05%, CCE of 50.89%, and gas yield of 0.95 m3/kg. These findings highlight the potential of plasma co-gasification in transforming a blend of different wastes into valuable energy resources.

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