Abstract

NEACSU, Ana  and  GHEORGHE, Daniela. Characterization of Some Co-Fired Agricultural by-products for Energetic Use. J. Mex. Chem. Soc [online]. 2022, vol.66, n.4, pp.408-420.  Epub Apr 10, 2023. ISSN 1870-249X.  https://doi.org/10.29356/jmcs.v66i4.1739.

The aim of the present study is obtaining the calorific values and the qualitative properties of the pellets made from four agricultural by-products co-fired with coal and non-cofired, in order to highlight the importance of co-fired biomass as alternative energy source. The studied samples are coarse ground grist of sorghum seeds, rape seeds, soyabean, sunflower seeds and their mixture with coal. The following parameters are calculated: higher heating values, bulk densities, energy densities, fuel value index, nitrogen, and sulphur content. The proximate composition as defined by ASTM was established: moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon. The moisture and ash content of the studied agricultural by-products are identified as the main factors of calorific influence. The obtained results come to confirm the ability of co-fired biomass to be used as fuel. As resulted from the experimental data, the co-fired biomass of agricultural residues are good resources as biofuel in the form of pellets. Among the studied samples, co-fired sunflower seeds grist presents the highest heating value, highest fixed carbon content and fuel value index, thus being a good alternative to fossil fuel in order to produce energy and reduce the domestic air pollution and the amount of wood needed.

Keywords : Cofiring, pellets; agricultural wastes; calorific value; proximate analysis.