Produção e caracterização de briquetes de biomassas lignocelulósicas em diferentes granulometrias

Abstract

The search for alternative sources of renewable energy increases annually due to the expectation of depletion of natural resources. In this context, the use of biomass for the production of briquettes may be a viable option. The characterization of biomass for the production of briquettes can be fundamental for the diversification of the energy matrix and also contribute to the development of a region. The characteristics and quality of the briquettes can be influenced by variables related to the raw material, such as granulometry. Thus, the aims of this work were to evaluate the potential of using different residues from plant biomass in the production of briquettes and the influence of granulometry on the final product. The following biomass parameters were evaluated: moisture, density, molecular chemical composition, elemental chemical composition, ash content and calorific value. Regarding briquettes, moisture, bulk density and energy density were checked. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with a 3x2 factorial arrangement, being the biomass and granulometry factors. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared using the Tukey test at a level of 5% probability of error (p<0.05). Regarding the molecular chemical analysis of the biomasses, the green coconut shell showed higher levels of extracts, lignin, higher and lower calorific value. However, in general, the three biomasses showed potential for energy use. The briquettes made in 2 mm granulometry showed a higher apparent and energetic density when compared to the briquettes produced from 8 mm particles. The briquettes produced from the green coconut shell showed higher values of apparent density and energy density compared to the other biomasses evaluated.