Olive cake as an energy source and catalyst for oil shale production of energy and its impact on the environment

In this study, an investigation of the potential of olive cake, which is available in large amounts in many developing countries and at very low cost, as a source of energy is conducted. The effect of olive cake grain size on its calorific value was studied. A process for intacting grains of olive cake in a suitable shape for handling, packaging and storing is proposed. A bench scale model to prepare intact samples was designed and fabricated. Proximate analysis of the olive cake indicated that olive cake has an excellent potential to be a renewable source of energy. Moreover, the calorific values of olive cake and oil shale mixtures, to catalyse oil shale combustion, is studied. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.