Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the carbonization yield of babassu nutshell as affected by final temperature, as well as the energy losses involved in the process. Three layers constituting the babassu nut, that is, the epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp, were used together. The material was carbonized, considering the following final temperatures: 450, 550, 650, 750, and 850ºC. The following were evaluated: energy and charcoal yields, pyroligneous liquid, non-condensable gases, and fixed carbon. The use of babassu nutshell can be highly feasible for charcoal production. The yield of charcoal from babassu nutshell carbonization was higher than that reported in the literature for Eucalyptus wood carbonization, considering the final temperature of 450ºC. Charcoal and energy yields decreased more sharply at lower temperatures, with a tendency to stabilize at higher temperatures. The energy yields obtained can be considered satisfactory, with losses between 45 and 52% (based on higher heating value) and between 43 and 49% (based on lower heating value) at temperatures ranging from 450 to 850ºC, respectively. Yields in fixed carbon and pyroligneous liquid are not affected by the final carbonization temperature.
Highlights
Brazil stands out as the largest producer in the world of pig iron from charcoal (Associação Brasileira de Produtores de Florestas Plantadas, 2012), and Eucalyptus plantations are the main responsible for the supply of this bio‐reducer
The use of babassu nutshell can be highly feasible for charcoal production
Charcoal and energy yields decreased more sharply at lower temperatures, with a tendency to stabilize at higher temperatures
Summary
Brazil stands out as the largest producer in the world of pig iron from charcoal (Associação Brasileira de Produtores de Florestas Plantadas, 2012), and Eucalyptus plantations are the main responsible for the supply of this bio‐reducer. Forest plantations are not able to meet the demand for charcoal from iron industries on a sustainable basis. Babassu is considered the largest native oil resource worldwide, with 14,563,000 ha, and occurs naturally in Brazil, mainly in the North and Northeast regions (Babaçu, 1984). It refers to three distinct genera of the Arecaceae family: Scheelea, Attalea, and Orbignya, and the species Orbignya phalerata Mart. It refers to three distinct genera of the Arecaceae family: Scheelea, Attalea, and Orbignya, and the species Orbignya phalerata Mart. is the most common and widespread (Teixeira, 2008)
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