Use of biomass from Amazonian agro-industrial waste for the production of energy

This research aims to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes made by açaí, cupuaçu, and murumuru waste from agro-industrial activity in a region of the Brazilian Amazon. For the production of briquettes, biomass with different granulometry (48, 60, 65, and 80 mesh) was sent to hydraulic pressure at constant pressure (15t) with various pressing times (15, 20 and 30 minutes). This process occurred without the addition of binders. The obtained outcomes were evaluated for storage time, bulk density, energy density, calorific value, impact strength, water absorption, and mechanical durability. The briquettes produced with açaí and cupuaçu presented good mechanical characteristics compared to murumuru. Concerning the calorific value, the latter showed better results. There was no alteration in the physical and mechanical properties determinant for the material to present favorable energy generation and durability. The açaí briquettes demonstrated better physical and mechanical properties, while murumuru briquettes indicated the best energy properties. Thus, the use of biomass from different agro-industrial wastes from the Amazon proved to be relevant for the elaboration of briquettes, being an alternative in the production of sustainable energy and adding to the reduction of the accumulation of improper waste disposed of in the environment.