Comparativo de análise elementar de casca de coco babaçu e casca de castanha de cajú

Abstract

The cashew nut culture and the babaçu culture call attention to the large amount of residues generated in the process of obtaining the almond. Waste normally discarded in dumps with no applicability. The energy utilization of these wastes is a viable alternative that can be measured by means of its elemental composition. Based on these considerations, the present work aimed to compare the elemental composition of cashew nuts shell (CNS) and babaçu coconut shell (BCS), to evaluate the energy potential in the application of combustion processes. For ultimate analysis, a Thermo Scientific Elemental Analyzer, model Flash EA 1112, was used to provide the elemental composition of the samples in terms of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur contents. Oxygen was determined from a correlation with the ash content. The fuel elements were similar, where CNS had 52.91% and BCS 45.43%. The hydrogen values obtained were 6.48% for CNS and 6.02% for BCS. In the non-reactive element, 29.88% was obtained for CNS and 46.48% for BCS. Both had no sulfur. The biomass presents high energetic potential for application in combustion processes, by the high values of reactive elements, even for the BCS; as well as the low percentage of elements that generate polluting gases, such as sulfur and nitrogen.