Comparative analyses of fast growing species in different moisture content for high quality solid fuel production

• Published in: Fuel (Guildford) 2016-11, Vol.184, p.180-184
• Main Authors: Hansted, Ana Larissa Santiago, Nakashima, Gabriela Tami, Martins, Mariana Provedel, Yamamoto, Hiroyuki, Yamaji, Fábio Minoru
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioenergy; Biomass; Briquettes; Mechanical resistance; Renewable resource
• ISSN: 0016-2361; 1873-7153
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2016.06.071

•We examined biomass from two different fast growing species.•A physical-chemical analysis was performed.•The results showed that the moisture content can be used up to 15% for briquette production. Biomass is nowadays a very important alternative to energy consumption, since it provides less environmental harms. Briquettes come as an option since they include logistical and efficiency advantages. This study aimed to characterize Leucaena leucocephala (leucena) and Gonoacantha piptadenia (pau-jacaré) biomass, to define their energy potential and verify the briquettes’ moisture content and the mechanical resistance. Six treatments were provided: 2 species and three different moisture contents (10%, 12% and 15%). Fifteen briquettes were produced for each treatment. The results showed that moisture content changes the stability of the briquettes. The pau-jacaré showed a better performance, in every aspect analyzed, superior chemical characteristics (ash content of 1.83%), higher heating value (18,956kJkg−1) and better mechanical resistance (0.5255MPa). However, both species provided fine results toward this proposal. Therefore, they can be used in every moisture content tested here, offering satisfactory results for bioenergy.