Combustion properties of potential Amazon biomass waste for use as fuel

Abstract

Biomass has great potential for the production of fuels with high volatility and reactivity. In the Amazon region, biomass waste is mainly from fruits, which generate a large amount of stone and shell. Therefore, there is a need for technology to advance the use of renewable energy. This study aims to evaluate the combustion properties of biomass waste by using thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG). Five residues were used: acai stone, cocoa shell, coconut shell, cupuacu shell and Brazil nut shell. TG curves show the mass loss from room temperature to 140 °C, which is related to the removal of moisture. The second mass loss is ascribed to volatile matter in the temperature range of 140–400 °C, and the third mass loss from 400 to 600 °C is due to the decomposition of fixed carbon. By evaluating the thermal properties such as volatile matter, moisture, ignition temperature and mean reactivity index, it can be said that the coconut shell sample has combustion features that lead to its better use as fuel, while the acai stone biomass presents unsatisfactory combustion properties among the biomasses studied. The higher heating value is an important property which defines the energy content and efficient use of these fuels, and thus, for the biomass samples, the following order of higher heating value can be observed: Brazil nut shell, acai stone, cupuacu shell, cocoa shell and coconut shell.