Perfil térmico e qualidade do carvão vegetal produzido em uma carvoaria no município de Benevides estado do Pará

Abstract

Given the great commercial importance of charcoal and the quality of a product that follows the qualification standards, the case study of this work objectively seeks to evaluate the charcoal produced in a charcoal factory in the city of Benevides, located in the state of Pará. The analyzed company operates with the furnace-furnace system. To monitor the carbonization process, 4 metallic cylinders were attached to the walls of this furnace in order to measure the temperature. Readings were taken every hour, with the aid of a pyrometer, from ignition to the end of cooling. The company used forced cooling with a rotating nozzle. This method reduces cooling days considerably when compared to traditional cooling methods. For the charcoal analyses, 160 wood samples were initially used to determine moisture and density. Noting that the wood used is waste with a wide variety of species, from sawmills located in the region. In order to determine the physical properties (moisture and apparent relative density), calorific value and immediate chemical analysis (contents of volatile matter, ash and fixed carbon) of charcoal, 4 (four) bags of 3 (three) kg each, referring to strategic points where the cylinders were located. It was found that despite the varieties of species used for production, the values of moisture 25.12% and density 0.69 g/cm3, did not negatively influence the final product to be marketed. Charcoal showed adequate characteristics for domestic use, mainly in relation to fixed carbon content 73.4% and higher calorific value 7259.57 kcal/kg-1. For apparent relative density 0.54 g/cm3, charcoal moisture 3.6%, ash content 1.10%, the values found are also considered satisfactory. The volatile matter content of 27.72% found, although higher than that established by the premium seal, can be considered suitable for use.