Panorama sobre a análise das propriedades mecânicas de pellets de diferentes biomassas

Abstract

Biomass is considered a more sustainable energy production option than fossil fuels. However, although it has a lot of potential, its intrinsic characteristics, such as its low energy density, make its widespread use more difficult. Since its use requires large volumes, pelletization is an interesting process to provide the dissemination of biomass as a source of solid fuel, compacting it into units of uniform size, with or without binders, through mechanical compression. Therefore, ensuring the integrity of the pellets leads to the commercial value of this product, facilitating transport to large consumption centers and guaranteeing the most uniform burning conditions possible for the following stages of energy generation through combustion. This Graduation Work aims to define an overview of the analysis of the mechanical properties of pellets from different biomasses, covering everything from the most widespread methodologies and techniques of pelletization, with their respective quality criteria, to the practical aspects of applications in the area of energy reuse. . In its development, it is possible to compare characteristics of different biomasses, processes and pellets in terms of properties, both thermal and mechanical, which influence the final quality of the product. Finally, the properties of four types of pellets from different biomasses are compared, obtaining an insight that allows evaluating the importance of the pellet's final moisture in its durability, as well as the availability of carbon together with the density of the pellet, for the creation of a pellet with a high energy charge.