Unlocking the potential of sugarcane bagasse: a comprehensive analysis for advanced energy conversion

Abstract

The sugarcane bagasse was analyzed for Particle Size Distribution (PSD) with a mean geometric diameter of 0.722 mm. Various standard techniques assessed its physical and chemical properties, including density measurements, higher heating value (HHV), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA), and compositional, proximate, ultimate, and CHNS/O analysis. The raw bagasse showed higher volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content, and HHV of 16 MJ/kg, with lower moisture content (8.71%). Thermal analysis indicated a peak degradation temperature for organic matter at 310-330 °C, and bagasse exhibited a higher combustion index than fossil fuels and other biomasses. Logarithmic models were obtained to determine the real, particle, and apparent densities of bagasse with the mean particle size within the 0.075-9.5 mm range, showing adequate results for particles with a mean diameter greater than 0.15 mm. For smaller particles, the reported errors were 12.6%, 8.23%, and 28%, respectively. These findings highlight sugarcane bagasse's significant potential for thermochemical conversion systems and its importance in selecting and designing fluidized bed technologies like pneumatic conveying, drying, combustion, and gasification equipment.

Keywords: Densities; Models; Particle size; Physical properties; Sugarcane bagasse.

Fig. 1

Brazil's production, consumption, and residue availability (EPE 2022)

Fig. 2

Routes of characterization of biomass for thermochemical conversion

Fig. 3

Granulometric distribution of sugarcane bagasse

Fig. 4

Mass percentage retained on each sieve

Fig. 5

Differential thermogravimetric analysis

Fig. 6

Real, apparent, and bulk densities of sugarcane bagasse particles

Fig. 7

Comparison of experimental and modeled densities for sugarcane bagasse particles in the size range of 0.075–9.50 mm. a Real and Apparent densities. b Bulk density