Valorization of eucalyptus urograndis wood via carbonization: Product yields and characterization

Brazil has a well-developed forest sector and is the largest producer of charcoal in the world in addition to being one of the main producers of wood. A big part of this production is destined to the steel industry. However, approximately 30 wt% of all wood energy is transformed into charcoal, and the other 70 wt% consisting of condensable and non-condensable gases (NCG) emitted in the atmosphere generating pollution and energy waste. With the purpose of altering this scenario, the present project, undertaken in laboratory scale from muffle furnace, saught as its main objective to carbonize species of Eucalyptus urograndis. Charcoal physical-chemical characterization, bio-oil and (NCG) produced by the process have also been done. In parallel, the performance of some operational variables (heating rate and final carbonization temperature) have been analyzed which affect the process of charcoal production through experimental design. The average income in charcoal, bio-oil and NCG has reached values of approximately 32.6, 40.1 and 27.3 wt% respectively. To obtain a quality charcoal as in the quantitative point of view (yield), as to the qualitative point of view (performance in fixed carbon and low friability), it must operate at a lower heating rate and milder final carbonization temperatures. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.