Valorization of Residual Biomass From Forest Harvesting Through Its Pelletization

Abstract

Residual biomass from forest harvesting consists of a mixture of wood, bark, leaves and needles that are often used to generate energy. In addition, this biomass can remain stored in the field for up to six months, which can affect its physical and energy properties. The pelleting process can be an alternative to improve the energy properties, transport and storage of this biofuel, allowing companies to better manage these resources. Thus, the effect of storage time in the field of the harvesting residual biomass of pine and eucalyptus on the properties of its pellets were evaluated. The results show that there is little influence of the storage time on the energy properties and there is a tendency to increase the physical and mechanical properties of the pellets produced from biomass with longer storage time in the field. We show that benefits can be obtained by producing pellets with forest harvest residues, even if they contain a non-woody fraction and regardless of the storage time in the field.