Análise da torrefação de peletes de casca de amendoim

Abstract

Pellets are high-density industrialized granulated fuels, compared to in natura biomass, in which they have a renewable character. Despite this, biomass has a low energy content, compared to fossil fuel, and this characteristic is a limiting factor to its use as a fuel. In order to improve this aspect, it is necessary to apply thermochemical processes, such as torrefaction, to increase the energy content of the pellets. Therefore, this research aims to carry out the torrefaction of peanut husk pellets and 2 verify if there was an improvement in the characteristics of the peanut husk samples, such as the higher calorific value, as well as identify which heat treatment conditions are the most ideal. The torrefaction took place in the temperature range of 250,275 and 300ºC and residence time of 20 and 60 minutes, and its main effects on the energetic and chemical properties of the analyzed samples were evaluated. As the pellet torrefaction time and temperature increased, there was a decrease in gravimetric yield, reaching 43.14%, and in hygroscopicity, reaching a minimum value of 0.65% of moisture present in the pellets. Additionally, there was an increase in calorific value, reaching a 43% increase in relation to the reference value. It was concluded that the torrefaction process was efficient in increasing the energy content of the torrefied pellets, compared to the original pellets.