POTENCIAL DA BIOMASSA AGROINDUSTRIAL PARA PRODUÇÃO DE PELLETS

Abstract

The research on the potential use of residual biomass for the production of alternative solid biofuels can contribute to the development of a country's energetic matrix from renewable sources. The present work analyzed the parameters determined by the European standard ENplus ISO 17225 (2014) aiming to enable technically the production of pellets from pine wood shavings (PMP), onion husk (PCC), corn cob (PSM) and barley bagasse residues. (PBC). Bulk density, gross heating value, ash content, volatile material content, fixed carbon and mechanical durability of the pellets were analyzed. Also, analysis of variance and statistical correlation of the parameters of the produced pellets were performed. It was found that there is a correlation between the gross heating value, content of volatile materials and ash content in non-woody pellets. The results were compared with requirements established by ENplus ISO 17225 (2014). The samples of PMP, PCC and PBC failed the requirements of the standard. However, biomass of agro-industrial residues of pine wood shavings, onion husks and barley bagasse have potential for energy generation and it is possible to improve the quality of the produced pellets from temperature and pressure adjustments in the pelletization process, pellet cooling after material densification and addition of binder compounds to the raw material. The PSM sample passed the requirements of the standard, and it is concluded that corn cob is an important potential biomass for the development of bioenergy in Brazil and can be used to manufacture pellets for industrial use with the possibility of commercialization in the foreign market.