Análise de sistema de geração de vapor: estudo da viabilidade para uso de mistura de cavaco de eucalipto e bagaço de cana em caldeiras

Abstract

This work aims to survey the feasibility of using a mixture of biomass as fuel in a boiler for steam generation, which will be used in the process of production of soybean oil in a soybean processing plant in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. The use of steam as a source of energy and heat for soybean preparation, oil extraction and refining are extremely important and represents one of the costs associated with crushing the grain and producing the oil. In addition, the search for sustainability has boosted the use of biomass as fuels in Brazil, since they are abundant and have the complete carbon cycle, mitigating the emission of greenhouse gases. Therefore, the present work aims to analyze the operational and economic impacts of the use of a mixture of eucalyptus chips and sugarcane bagasse in the boiler of the soybean processing unit. All this, considering the market of both biomasses in the Brazilian scenario and, especially, the large production of sugarcane bagasse associated with the fact that the country is the largest producer of sugarcane in the world. For this, there were operational issues, necessary investments, compliance with safety and environmental standards and the financial impacts generated for the company with the use of the mixture. A four-day test period was carried out in the boiler, which previously used only eucalyptus chips, with the gradual increase of the percentage of sugarcane bagasse and at the end determined an ideal amount, as well as the key investments for the continuation of the project and the financial returns added to the company.