HIGHLIGHTS:

Eucalyptus wood residues were compacted in dense blocks to evaluate the burning properties.

Detailed description of the physico-chemical and thermal properties of the wastes were studied.

The effect of the compaction pressure of the briquettes showed that the burning of the material occurs more slowly.

ABSTRACT

Boilers are widely used by industries and thermoelectric plants to generate renewable energy. However, when biomass is consumed, residues are generated, which for the most part cannot be discarded appropriately. This study investigated the reuse of eucalyptus wood waste with the goal of transforming the residue into resistant and durable briquettes for reuse in furnaces and boilers. The physico-chemical properties of the residue were studied in terms of chemical composition by X-ray fluorescence, and its crystalline structure was evaluated by X-ray diffraction. Both thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the thermal decomposition of the wood waste residue. The residue was compacted in a universal press with sufficient humidity to fabricate briquettes under different conditions of mechanical pressure. Apparent density, durability, and burning tests were carried out on the briquettes. The maximum temperature reached during burning is dependent on the fabrication compaction pressure. The briquettes proved suitable for burning in boilers and furnaces, and their durability is advantageous for handling, reuse, and transportation.

Key words:
densification of briquettes; thermal analysis; physico-chemical properties; combustion