Management of Brazilian hardwood species (Jatoba and Garapa) wood waste biomass utilization for energy production purposes

摘要

In the Federative Republic of Brazil, Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril) and Garapa (Apuleia leiocarpa) trees are intensively harvested. The yield of one log is approximately 45–55%, which indicates a great amount of produced wood waste biomass.Present research monitored the suitability of wood waste biomass from Jatoba and Garapa trees for bio–briquette for solid biofuel production. The research was focused on chemical parameters,and energy potential of such biomass kinds. Jatoba wood waste biomass was used for the production of bio–briquette fuel and its final mechanical quality was investigated by determination of their mechanical quality indicators. Results of chemical analysis (in wet basis) exhibited great level of ash content in case of both species (Jatoba – 0.31%, Garapa – 3.02%), as well as high level of energy potential; net calorific value equal to 18.92 MJ kg–1 for Jatoba and to 18.395 MJ kg–1 for Garapa. Analysis of elementary composition proved following levels of oxygen content: Jatoba – 41.10%, Garapa – 39.97%. Mechanical analysis proved bio–briquette samples volume density ρ equal to 896.34 kg m–3 which indicated quality bio–briquette fuel, while the level of rupture force RF occurred at a lower level – 47.05 N mm–1. Most important quality indicator, the mechanical durability DU, unfortunately, occurred at a lower level; DU = 77.6% compared to the minimal level of bio–briquette fuels intended for commercial sales which must be > 90%. Overall analysis proved materials suitability for energy generation purpose with certain limitations which can improve by changing production parameters of briquetting.