Management of Brazilian hardwood species (Jatoba and Garapa) wood waste biomass utilization for energy production purposes

ArticleIn the Federative Republic of Brazil, Jatoba ( Hymenaea courbaril ) and Garapa ( Apuleia leiocarpa ) trees are intensively harvested . The yield of one log is approximately 45 – 55%, which indicates a great amount of produced wood waste biomass.Present research monitored the suitability of wood waste biomass from Jatoba and Garapa trees for bio – briquette for solid biofuel production. The research was focused on chemical parameters, and energ y potential of such biomass kinds. Jatoba wood waste biomass was used for the production of bio – briquette fuel and its final mechanical quality was investigated by determination of their mechanical quality indicators. Results of chemical analysis (in wet b asis) exhibited great level of ash content in case of both species ( Jatoba – 0.31%, Garapa – 3.02%), as well as high level of energy potential; net calorific value equal to 18.92 MJ kg – 1 for Jatoba and to 18.39 5 MJ kg – 1 for Garapa. Analysis of elementary composition proved following levels of oxygen content: J atoba – 41.10%, Garapa – 39.97 %. Mechanical analysis proved bio – briquette samples volume density ρ equal to 896.34 kg m – 3 which indicated quality bio – briquette fuel , while the level of rupture force R F occurred at a lower level – 47.05 N mm – 1 . Most important quality indicator, the mechanical durability DU, unfortunately, occurred at a lower level; DU = 77.6% compared to the minimal level of bio – briquette fuels intended for commercial sales which must be > 90%. Overall analysis proved materials suitability for energy generation purpose with certain limitations which can improve by changing production parameters of briquetting