Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Wood Waste Pellets as an Alternative for Energy Generation in the Amazon Region

  • Published:
BioEnergy Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A significant amount of waste is generated by lumber yards in the Amazon region. The aim of this study was to investigate the production and characteristics of pellets manufactured with residual biomass from the processing of sawn wood of the species Dinizia excelsa and Manilkara elata, together with Eucalyptus spp. Eleven waste compositions (varying between 100 and 0%) of the three species (Dinizia excelsa (DE); Manilkara elata (ME); Eucalyptus spp. (E)) were analyzed for the production of pellets. Each composition was compacted separately in a pelletizer with a production capacity of 400 kg h−1, using a 6-mm-diameter flat die, and subsequently evaluated for proximate composition, physical, energetic, and mechanical characteristics. With the exception of the ash content, which was lower, with a value equal to 0.18% in the composition containing a high fraction of Eucalyptus (25% ME + 75% E), the pellets containing the residues of Amazonian species showed higher values of fixed carbon (22.88%) and mechanical durability (97.72%) when composed only of Dinizia excelsa and higher bulk density values (639.53 kg m−3) and HHV (20.39 MJ kg−1) when composed of 50% DE and 50% ME. All compositions met the quality standards required by international standards for export. Emphasis should be given to the species Dinizia excelsa in the production of pellets. The greater the presence of Dinizia excelsa residues in the composition, the better the pellets were for energy generation.

Graphical abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Welfle A, Thornley P, Röder M (2020) A review of the role of bioenergy modelling in renewable energy research & policy development. Biomass Bioenerg 136:105542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2020.105542

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Lima MDR, Patrício EPS, de Barros Junior O et al (2021) Colorimetry as a criterion for segregation of logging wastes from sustainable forest management in the Brazilian Amazon for bioenergy. Renew Energy 163:792–806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.08.078

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Silva-Martínez RD, Sanches-Pereira A, Ortiz W et al (2020) The state-of-the-art of organic waste to energy in Latin America and the Caribbean: challenges and opportunities. Renew Energy 156:509–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.04.056

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Brancalion PHS, De Almeida DRA, Vidal E, et al 2018 Fake legal logging in the Brazilian Amazon. Sci Adv 4:eaat1192. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aat1192

  5. Brancalion PHS, Garcia LC, Loyola R et al (2016) A critical analysis of the Native Vegetation Protection Law of Brazil (2012): updates and ongoing initiatives. Nat Conserv 14:1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ncon.2016.03.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Nepstad D, McGrath D, Stickler C et al (2014) Slowing Amazon deforestation through public policy and interventions in beef and soy supply chains. Science 80(344):1118–1123. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1248525

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Merry F, Soares-Filho B, Nepstad D et al (2009) Balancing conservation and economic sustainability: the future of the Amazon timber industry. Environ Manage 44:395–407. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-009-9337-1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. IBGE (2019) PEVS - forestry activities. https://www.ibge.gov.br/estatisticas/economicas/agricultura-e-pecuaria/9105-producao-da-extracao-vegetal-e-da-silvicultura.html?=&t=series-historicas. Accessed 03 March 2022

  9. IBÁ (2020) Annual Report - IBÁ 2019. https://iba.org/datafiles/publicacoes/relatorios/iba-relatorioanual2019.pdf. Accessed 03 March 2022

  10. Lima DC, de Melo RR, Pimenta AS et al (2020) Physical–mechanical properties of wood panel composites produced with Qualea sp. sawdust and recycled polypropylene. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27:4858–4865. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-06953-7

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Musule R, Núñez J, Bonales-Revuelta J et al (2021) Cradle to grave life cycle assessment of Mexican forest pellets for residential heating. BioEnergy Res. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-021-10337-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Castellano JM, Gómez M, Fernández M et al (2015) Study on the effects of raw materials composition and pelletization conditions on the quality and properties of pellets obtained from different woody and non woody biomasses. Fuel 139:629–636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2014.09.033

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Meira AM, Nolasco AM, Klingenberg D et al (2021) Insights into the reuse of urban forestry wood waste for charcoal production. Clean Technol Environ Policy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-021-02181-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Porsö C, Hammar T, Nilsson D, Hansson P-A (2018) Time-dependent climate impact and energy efficiency of internationally traded non-torrefied and torrefied wood pellets from logging residues. BioEnergy Res 11:139–151. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-017-9884-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Carrillo-Parra A, Rutiaga-Quiñones JG, Ríos-Saucedo JC et al (2021) Quality of pellet made from agricultural and forestry waste in Mexico. BioEnergy Res. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-021-10327-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Garcia-Maraver A, Zamorano M, Fernandes U et al (2014) Relationship between fuel quality and gaseous and particulate matter emissions in a domestic pellet-fired boiler. Fuel 119:141–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2013.11.037

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Menucelli JR, Amorim EP, Freitas MLM et al (2019) Potential of Hevea brasiliensis clones, Eucalyptus pellita and Eucalyptus tereticornis wood as raw materials for bioenergy based on higher heating value. Bioenergy Res 12:992–999. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-019-10041-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. ISO (2015) EN ISO 18122:2015 - Solid biofuels—determination of ash content. https://www.iso.org/standard/61515.html. Accessed 03 March 2022

  19. ISO (2015) EN ISO 18134–1:2015 Solid biofuels - determination of moisture content - oven dry method - part 1: total moisture. https://www.iso.org/standard/61538.html. Accessed 03 March 2022

  20. ISO (2015) EN ISO 17829:2015 - Solid biofuels - determination of length and diameter of pellets. https://www.iso.org/standard/60693.html. Accessed 03 March 2022

  21. ISO (2015) EN ISO 17828:2015 - Solid biofuels - determination of bulk density. https://www.iso.org/standard/60687.html. Accessed 03 March 2022

  22. DIN GI for S 2014 14918. Solid biofuels. Determination of calorific value

  23. Sette CR Jr, Hansted ALS, Novaes E et al (2018) Energy enhancement of the eucalyptus bark by briquette production. Ind Crops Prod 122:209–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.05.057

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. ISO (2015) EN ISO 17831–1:2015 - Solid biofuels - determination of mechanical durability of pellets and briquettes - part 1: pellets. https://www.iso.org/standard/60695.html. Accessed 03 March 2022

  25. AF Dias Júnior CR Andrade M Milan et al 2020 Quality function deployment (QFD) reveals appropriate quality of charcoal used in barbecues SciAgric 77https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992x-2019-0021

  26. ISO 2021 ISO 17225–2 - Solid biofuels—fuel specifications and classes—part 2: graded wood pellets. https://www.iso.org/standard/76088.html. Accessed 03 March 2022

  27. Toscano G, Riva G, Foppa Pedretti E et al (2013) Investigation on wood pellet quality and relationship between ash content and the most important chemical elements. Biomass Bioenerg 56:317–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2013.05.012

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. D Nhuchhen P Basu B Acharya 2014 A comprehensive review on biomass torrefactionInt J Renew Energy Biofuels 1–56https://doi.org/10.5171/2014.506376

  29. Dias Júnior AF, Suuchi MA, Sant’AnnaNeto A et al (2021) Blends of charcoal fines and wood improve the combustibility and quality of the solid biofuels. BioEnergy Res 14:344–354. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-020-10179-8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Werther J, Saenger M, Hartge E-U et al (2000) Combustion of agricultural residues. Prog Energy Combust Sci 26:1–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0360-1285(99)00005-2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Ståhl M, Granström K, Berghel J, Renström R (2004) Industrial processes for biomass drying and their effects on the quality properties of wood pellets. Biomass Bioenerg 27:621–628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2003.08.019

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Deng T, Alzahrani AM, Bradley MS (2019) Influences of environmental humidity on physical properties and attrition of wood pellets. Fuel Process Technol 185:126–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2018.12.010

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. A. K. M, D. L. H, D.L. D, et al (2010) Effects of moisture change on the physical and thermal properties of sericea lespedeza pellets. Int Agric Eng J 19:23–29

    Google Scholar 

  34. Liu Z, Liu X, Fei B et al (2013) The properties of pellets from mixing bamboo and rice straw. Renew Energy 55:1–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2012.12.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Wolf A, Vidlund A, Andersson E (2006) Energy-efficient pellet production in the forest industry—a study of obstacles and success factors. Biomass Bioenerg 30:38–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2005.09.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. de Protásio T, Scatolino MV, de Araújo ACC et al (2019) Assessing proximate composition, extractive concentration, and lignin quality to determine appropriate parameters for selection of superior Eucalyptus firewood. BioEnergy Res 12:626–641. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-019-10004-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Jägers J, Wirtz S, Scherer V, Behr M (2020) Experimental analysis of wood pellet degradation during pneumatic conveying processes. Powder Technol 359:282–291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2019.10.004

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Tumuluru JS (2014) Effect of process variables on the density and durability of the pellets made from high moisture corn stover. Biosyst Eng 119:44–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2013.11.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank the companies Eng-Maq Ltda and Equatorian SA for donating the materials used and the Wood Energy Laboratory (LAPEM) of Federal University of Viçosa for the assistance in the analyses.

Funding

This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brazil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Av. Governador Lindemberg, 316, Jerônimo Monteiro, ES, CEP: 29550-000, Brazil

    Glaucileide Ferreira, Thais Mendes Brito, João Gabriel Missia da Silva, Ananias Francisco Dias Júnior & Djeison Cesar Batista

  2. Federal University of Paraná, Av. Prefeito Lothário Meissner, 632, Curitiba, PR, CEP: 80210-170, Brazil

    Daniela Minini

  3. Department of Forestry Engineering, Federal University of Sao João Del-Rei, Rua Setimo Moreira Martins, Sete Lagoas, MG, CEP: 35702-031, Brazil

    Marina Donária Chaves Arantes

Authors
  1. Glaucileide Ferreira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Thais Mendes Brito
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. João Gabriel Missia da Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Daniela Minini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Ananias Francisco Dias Júnior
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Marina Donária Chaves Arantes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Djeison Cesar Batista
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

GF, TMB, DCB: conceptualization, methodology, validation, investigation, resources, writing—original draft; DM: writing, review; MDCA: conceptualization; JGMDS, AFDJ: writing—review and editing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ananias Francisco Dias Júnior.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Highlights

· Biomass residues from Amazonian species were investigated for their recovery.

· Pelletizing was done with several blends of Dinizia excelsa and Manilkara elata for energy densification.

· High-energy potential was detected both in blends and in pure biomass compositions of the investigated species.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOCX 478 KB)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ferreira, G., Brito, T.M., da Silva, J.G.M. et al. Wood Waste Pellets as an Alternative for Energy Generation in the Amazon Region. Bioenerg. Res. 16, 472–483 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-022-10446-w

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-022-10446-w

Keywords

Search

Navigation