Abstract Our study aims to determine the energetic quality of residues from the manufacturing of jatropha and eucalyptus, as well as to evaluate the physical properties of the briquettes made with different proportions of these biomasses. The following proportions were used for this study: 100% eucalyptus; 75% eucalyptus; 50% jatropha and 50% eucalyptus; 75% jatropha; and 100% jatropha. The apparent density of the residues, the immediate chemical product, the highest calorific value (HCV), the apparent density, the energy density, the usable calorific value (UCV), the lowest calorific value (LCV), the breaking strength of the briquettes (FR) and the hydroscopic moisture balance (HMB) were verified. Although the energetic characteristics of the jatropha residues are not superior to those of eucalyptus, this biomass adds favorable mechanical characteristics to the briquettes comprised of greater proportions of jatropha to eucalyptus, guaranteeing the energetic properties of the briquette, as well as reducing the production cost.

RESUMO A macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) é uma palmeira oleaginosa de alto valor econômico pela sua grande produtividade e pelas amplas possibilidades de aproveitamento das diferentes partes da planta. Esta palmeira é uma das espécies mais promissoras para a produção de biodiesel, e, durante o seu uso, há geração de grande quantidade de resíduos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi produzir e avaliar a qualidade de briquetes confeccionados com epicarpo da macaúba, em associação aos resíduos da madeira de Pinus sp. Para caracterização dos resíduos foram realizadas as análises: densidade a granel, composição química imediata e poder calorífico superior. Na produção de briquetes foram adotados diferentes tratamentos, sendo T1 (100% Macaúba), T2 (75% Macaúba + 25% Pinus), T3 (50% Macaúba + 50% Pinus), T4 (25% Macaúba + 75% Pinus) e T5 (100% Pinus). Os briquetes foram produzidos à pressão de 1000 PSI, temperatura de 120-130 ºC, tempos de prensagem e resfriamento de 5 minutos e umidade média de 9.88% para a macaúba e 8.00% para o Pinus. Para qualificar os briquetes avaliou-se as dimensões, densidade aparente, carga de ruptura, poder calorífico inferior, poder calorífico útil e densidade energética. De modo geral, recomenda-se a mistura de pelo menos 50% de epicarpo de macaúba para a produção de briquetes, pois este material confere maior resistência e densidade energética ao produto.

ABSTRACT The macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a palm-seed-oil producing tree of great economic value for its high productivity, and the broad range of possible uses for the different parts of the plant. This palm is one of the most promising species for the production of biodiesel, however, its use generates large amounts of waste. The aim of this work is to produce and evaluate the quality of briquettes made from the epicarp of the macaúba palm, in association with the waste of the Pinus sp. For the characterization of the residues, the following analyses were carried out: bulk density, immediate chemical composition, and higher calorific value. Different treatments were adopted in the production of the briquettes, namely: T1 (100% macaúba palm), T2 (75% macaúba palm + 25% pine), T3 (50% macaúba palm + 50% pine), T4 (25% macaúba palm + 75% pine) and T5 (100% pine). The briquettes were produced at a pressure of 1000 PSI, and at a temperature of 120-130 ºC, press and cooling times of 5 minutes, and an average humidity of 9.88% for the macaúba palm and 8.00% for the Pinus. In order to qualify the briquettes’ dimensions, the following were evaluated: apparent density, rupture load, lower calorific value, useful calorific value and energy density. In general, mixing at least 50% macaúba epicarp is recommended to produce briquettes, as this material provides increased strength and energy density to the product.

ABSTRACT Pelletization is a technique used to compact biomass, generating a granulated material called pellets, with high energy density. The objectives of this work were to produce pellets made from Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) residuals and to evaluate its quality. Firstly, the residuals were characterized, followed by the production of the pellets. An experimental framework was adopted, entirely randomized with three treatments: T1 – 100% Sorghum, T2 – Sorghum + addition of wheat starch, and T3 – Sorghum with the addition of steam. There was also a comparison of the properties of the pellets with values determined by the European standard. It was concluded that Sorghum biomass (Sorghum bicolor) residuals are viable for pellet production; products obtained were homogenous and easy to handle; the treatment T1 presented the best results for pellet production; all treatments produced pellets within the specifications of the EN 14961-6 (DIN, 2012) standard for non-wood pellets.