Use of wood residues of Pinus sp. with different granulometry to briquettes production

Abstract

The present work aims to evaluate the effect of the biomass granulometry of Pinus sp. on the quality of briquettes. The residual biomass used was obtained from the industrial processing of Pinus sp. wood, being classified in (i) sawdust; residual material of the industrial process presenting diverse granulometry and (ii) ground; material graded and classified in 60 mesh sieve. The proximate analysis (volatile, ash and fixed carbon contents), highest calorific value, bulk and energy density of the biomass was determined and produced briquettes with temperature of 120ºC, pressing time of 5 minutes at a pressure of 140 kgf.cm^‑2 and cooling time of 10 minutes. The quality of briquettes was determined by the energy and physical-mechanical variables: bulk and energetic density, durability, tensile strength by diametrical compression and expansion. The residues of Pinus sp. are suitable for the production of briquettes. There was no effect of biomass granulometry in the energetic and physico-mechanical characteristics of briquettes. The use of residual biomass obtained directly from the processing of Pinus sp. is recommended for the production of briquettes in detriment to the finer biomass with 60 mesh, because it is linked to lower production costs.