Introduction
- M/s Saansera Farm2Fuel Solutions Pvt Ltd, a pioneer in sustainable energy solutions, has successfully developed a method to produce waterglass (sodium silicate) from biomass ash.
- With expertise in biomass supply chain management and innovative waste utilization, the company has conducted small-scale successful trials of this process.
- Now, this Next-Gen start-up is looking for business collaborations to showcase this expertise and expand production capabilities.
Problem & Solution
- Biomass-based steam boilers utilizing rice husk, bagasse, and other agricultural residues as fuel generate a significant amount of ash as a byproduct.
- Conventionally, this ash poses disposal challenges and environmental concerns.
- However, the high silica content in the ash presents an opportunity for commercial utilization—particularly in the production of waterglass.
- Converting biomass ash into waterglass not only mitigates waste disposal issues but also creates an additional revenue stream.
Understanding Waterglass
Waterglass, or sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃), is a versatile compound used across industries, including:
- Adhesives & Binders: In paper, cardboard, and textiles
- Construction: In cement and concrete formulations
- Detergents & Soaps: As a stabilizer
- Water Treatment: As a coagulant aid
- Foundry & Ceramics: For moulding and coatings
The Untapped Potential of Biomass Ash
- Biomass combustion produces a considerable amount of ash, much of which is often discarded without realizing its hidden value.
- This ash is rich in silica, an essential component in various industrial applications, including the production of waterglass, which is widely used in adhesives, detergents, coatings, construction materials, and even in green technology solutions.
Composition of Biomass Ash
The ash generated from biomass-fired steam boilers, particularly from rice husk and bagasse, is rich in silica (SiO₂).
Typical compositions are:
- Rice Husk Ash (RHA): 85–95% SiO₂
- Bagasse Ash: 50–70% SiO₂
This makes them ideal raw materials for producing waterglass.
Process of Producing Waterglass from Biomass Ash
M/s Saansera Farm2Fuel Solutions Pvt Ltd has developed a proprietary process for converting silica-rich biomass ash into high-quality waterglass. This involves a carefully controlled sequence of purification, chemical treatment, and processing to ensure optimal yield and purity. Due to the proprietary nature of the technology, specific details remain a trade secret of the company.
The process generally involves:
- Pre-Treatment and Purification: The ash undergoes a refining process to remove unwanted impurities.
- Silica Leaching: Using an alkaline solution, the silica is extracted in a soluble form.
- Precipitation and Drying: The extracted silica is then converted into amorphous silica through controlled precipitation and drying.
- Waterglass Synthesis: The purified silica is further processed with sodium hydroxide to produce waterglass, a highly valuable industrial product.
Our Lab Set-up Producing Waterglass from Biomass Ash
Economic and Environmental Benefits
- Revenue Generation: Biomass power plants and industrial boilers can create an additional revenue stream by selling processed sodium silicate.
- Waste Management and Sustainability: This initiative significantly reduces the environmental impact of biomass ash disposal, promoting a circular economy.
- Industrial Applications: Waterglass finds extensive usage in various sectors, including construction, paper production, foundry moulds, and even advanced nanotechnology applications.
- Sustainability: Promotes circular economy principles by converting waste into value-added products.
- Industrial Demand: High demand across construction, paper, and detergent industries ensures market feasibility.
Call for Academia and Industry Collaboration
- M/S Saansera Farm2Fuel Solutions Pvt Ltd has achieved commendable success in this endeavor and is now seeking partnerships with academia and industry to further refine and scale up this innovation. Collaboration in research, technology development, and industrial application can lead to enhanced efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and broader adoption of this sustainable solution.
- We invite universities, research institutions, and industrial stakeholders to join hands with us in this ground-breaking initiative. Together, we can transform biomass ash from a disposal challenge into a valuable resource, driving both sustainability and profitability.
Way Forward
- Utilizing biomass ash to produce waterglass transforms a disposal problem into a profitable venture. M/s Saansera Farm2Fuel Solutions Pvt Ltd has successfully demonstrated this technology on a small scale and is now seeking business collaborations to expand and commercialize the process.
- With growing emphasis on sustainability, industries can leverage this expertise to enhance profitability while reducing their environmental footprint. Investing in waterglass production from biomass ash presents a lucrative opportunity for power plants, agro-industries, and entrepreneurs in the green economy.
- For collaborations and inquiries, reach out to us and be part of this revolutionary transformation in renewable energy byproducts.
For Collaborations & Inquiries:
Contact us at
📩 hello@saansera.com
📞 +917574982180
🌐 www.saansera.com
Together, let’s build a greener and more sustainable future!