Production and characterization of bamboo pellets

Carlos Roberto Sette Jr,Paola De Castro E Freitas,Vanessa Pereira Freitas,Fabio Minoru Yamaji,Rogério De Araújo Almeida

doi:10.14393/bj-v32n4a2016-32948

Abstract

Agroforestry biomass is a great energy alternative, with potential to produce pellets and briquettes. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of using the biomass of bamboo species to produce pellets. Mature culms of the species Bambusa vulgaris var. Vitatta, Dendrocalamus asper and Bambusa tuldoides were used, in addition to wood discs of 6 year-old hybrids of E. urophylla x E. grandis for comparative purposes. Biomass was characterized by the bulk density, proximate analysis, calorific value and energy density. Pellets were characterized (moisture content, length, diameter, durability, bulk, apparent and energy density) after production. All the characteristics of bamboo and eucalyptus pellets met the quality specifications required in international product marketing standards, except for the ash levels. The species Bambusa vulgaris var. vitatta , Dendrocalamus asper and Bambusa tuldoides had energy characteristics that indicate its potential for being used as an energy source in the form of pellets.

Highlights

Biomass is one of the renewable energy sources with the greatest potential for development in the years, and is considered one of the main options to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels (ANEEL, 2013)
The energy and rational use of biomass tends to promote the development of economically disadvantaged regions, through job creation and income generation, reducing the problem of rural exodus and dependence on foreign energy (LYBEER, 2006). Such energy and rational use of biomass is of great environmental importance for reducing the use of fossil fuels and the emission of Greenhouse Effect Gases, mitigating global warming
An increase in the magnitude of 327, 478, 546 and 517% in the energy density of B. tuldoides, B. vulgaris, D. asper and E. urograndis biomass, respectively, is observed after the biomass compaction process (Table 4; Table 2). This increase is due to the increase in biomass density after compression, highlighting the importance of pelletization in using lignocellulosic materials to produce bioenergy, due to the highest concentration of energy per unit volume

Summary

Introduction

Biomass is one of the renewable energy sources with the greatest potential for development in the years, and is considered one of the main options to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels (ANEEL, 2013). Bamboo species are among the alternative fuels studied, and have a high growth rate and accelerated biomass production that places them in a prominent position for energy use (SCURLOCK et al, 2000). Scientific studies that evaluated the production of pellets from the biomass of bamboo species and their characteristics (LIU et al, 2012, 2013, 2014) are rare.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion