EVALUATION OF THE ENERGY POTENTIAL OF RESIDUAL BIOMASS FROM BROWN PORTER STYLE BEER PRODUCTION

Abstract

The purpose of this study was evaluate the energy potential of the residual biomass of Brown Porter type beer malt. Analyses of calorific value, moisture, lignin content, ash content, volatile materials and fixed carbon were carried out in order to investigate the energy potential of this biomass. For a better understanding of the thermal degradation behavior of this biomass, a thermogravimetric analysis was performed and the TGA curves evidenced the degradation of lignocellulosic matter as hemicellulose and cellulose (120 °C and 350 °C) and lignin (350 °C and 600 °C). The malt bagasse analyzed showed good potential for direct energy generation, 3956.96 kcal kg-1 of useful calorific value, when the moisture of the material is disregarded. This result is supported by the values found for the lignin content, 31.79 % d.m., and having the carbon content 44.85%, which are determining factors for energy generation in a biomass. Another positive point is that the the ash contente of the malt bagasse produce less ash, 3.86 %, than other biomasses like rice husks and and sugarcane bagasse which facilitates its application in the combustion process.