Thermophysical and chemical composition analyzes of fuel blends from orange and sugarcane processing residues

• Grant number: 23/09991-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: February 05, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Ana Maria Pereira Neto
• Grantee: Ygor Batista Quelhas
• Host Institution: Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas (CECS). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Observing the State of São Paulo, it can be seen that it plays a fundamental role in orange production, both nationally and worldwide. Considering the global production of oranges, the State of São Paulo is responsible for 25% of all cultivation done around the world. With regard to the biomass of oranges, 50% of their mass constitutes the so-called orange bagasse, and, therefore, there is the possibility of making energetic use of the residue generated in its industrial processing, in relation to what is currently done, where its use in energy conversion routes can be proposed, being able to reduce financial costs, in addition to minimizing impacts related to waste disposal. However, to verify whether it is indeed possible to use orange pomace, several studies are needed to assess the technical viability and possible use of orange pomace in energy recovery routes. The analysis proposed in this part of the project consists of carrying out a study, based on the formation of a fuel blend between sugar cane bagasse and orange bagasse, and carrying out physical-chemical analyzes that seek to: verify the superior calorific value and bottom, perform an elemental analysis, examine the immediate composition (% moisture, fixed carbon, volatiles and ash) and perform an ash composition analysis. All these parameters are essential and, based on them, it will be possible to understand whether in fact the formation of blends and their use with refuse derived fuel (RDF) is, in fact, something viable and that can be used by companies, seeking to take advantage of all waste generated along the production chain.