Study of the Thermal Behavior of Almond Shells and Acorn Cups for Production of Fuel Briquettes

Abstract

Because of the importance of his field, its neutrality in terms of pollution, biomass sector is an attractive way for the promotion of renewable energies, the fight against deforestation and the protection of our environment. In Morocco, almond shells and acorn cups  are still rejected as a  solid waste, while they can be a source of renewable energy and provide a continuous supply of solid liquid and gas fuels, through a thermochemical conversion. The conversion of acorn cups and almond shells to energy by thermochemical conversion processes requires a fundamental understanding of their thermal properties. The purpose of this research is to investigate the thermal behavior of these wastes, its energy recovery by the production of fuel briquettes from roasted fine and to study combustion behavior of these briquettes. The results of thermogravimetry (TGA), derivate thermogravimetry (DTG) and differential thermal (DTA) analysis allowed us to determine the stages of thermal decomposition of acorns cups and almond shells and associated phenomena. Characterization of briquettes showed us that the particle size and residence time during roasting are the determinants factors of their quality.

Keywords: Renewable energy, fuel briquettes, almond shells, acorn cups.