Production and characterization of bamboo pellets

Abstract

Agroforestry biomass is a great energy alternative, with potential to produce pellets and briquettes. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of using the biomass of bamboo species to produce pellets. Mature culms of the species Bambusa vulgaris var. Vitatta, Dendrocalamus asper and Bambusa tuldoides were used, in addition to wood discs of 6 year-old hybrids of E. urophylla x E. grandis for comparative purposes. Biomass was characterized by the bulk density, proximate analysis, calorific value and energy density. Pellets were characterized (moisture content, length, diameter, durability, bulk, apparent and energy density) after production. All the characteristics of bamboo and eucalyptus pellets met the quality specifications required in international product marketing standards, except for the ash levels. The species Bambusa vulgaris var. vitatta, Dendrocalamus asper and Bambusa tuldoides had energy characteristics that indicate its potential for being used as an energy source in the form of pellets.