SUGARCANE BAGASSE PELLETS, AN ENERGY OPPORTUNITY

Abstract

Introduction:
This research arises from the need to have criteria that support the versatility of sugarcane bagasse, not only used as fuel for the process that produces it, but also its use in the ways that farming industry residues are currently used, in the form of pellets.
Objective:
To review in the bibliography what is exposed about the use, properties and pretreatments applied to sugarcane bagasse, which are the cause of its potential as an energy carrier in the form of pellets.
Materials and Methods:
References from the last ten years were consulted, in relation to the use of bagasse, its chemical and energetic properties, the different types of pre-treatments that can receive before being used as an energy carrier and the substances that are extracted.
Results and Discussion:
From the physical properties analyzed, low nitrogen and sulfur contents were found. In addition, the caloric power was observed in a range of 17-19 MJ/kg. Among its lignocellulosic components, cellulose is the one with the highest percentage. Like pellets, the presence of lignin is essential during compaction. The characteristics of the biomass pellets were searched, observing that the sugarcane bagasse complies with the standards.
Conclusions:
The review carried out is the starting point for research directed towards the study of the use of agro-industrial waste as an energy carrier in the form of pellets.