Evaluation of Carbonization of the Hedgehog of Brazil Nut in Oven Type Metal Drums

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the production of charcoal from the hedgehog of the Brazil nut using metal drums as a reactor, considering the adaptive feature for mobility, typical of this exploitation. The average time of carbonization was relatively short, 4:45 hours, which generated a yield of charcoal of 19.11%. The content of material with incomplete carbonization was of 35.77%. His basic density was 0.631g.cm -3 , since the bulk density was 0.231 g.cm-3. The average moisture content of the charcoal produced was 4.71%. Volatile materials, amounted to 20.79% of the total mass. The ash content was 0.87% and the fixed carbon was 78.33%. The calorific value was 7252.98 kCal.kg -1 . Thus, it can be conclude that the method of the drum is adapted to charcoal producing from the hedgehog of the Brazil nut, however, improvements in thermal insulation of the reactor can be proposed for future work; gravimetric yield in charcoal was low when its performance is compared to other methods of carbonization, probably by the lack of thermal insulation; carbonization time in the reactor was considerably lower than those obtained for the carbonization in muffle for similar products.