Physicochemical Properties of Sugarcane Industry Residues Aiming at Their Use in Energy Processes

Abstract

According to the US Department of Agriculture, sugarcane global production for marketing year (MY) 2020/21 will forecast up 22 million tons in comparison with 2019/2020 MY, reaching 188 million tons (raw value), due to higher production in Brazil, India and Thailand. These countries alternate sugarcane uses for obtaining sugar, ethanol and other products, generating near to 152 million tons of residues. In a circular economy context, the reuse of the sugarcane industry by-products is desired. Nowadays, bagasse and, sometimes, straw are used for energy recovery through combustion, while filter cake and vinasse are commonly used for soil fertilization. However, while bagasse and straw present potential for energy recovery through the thermochemical route, vinasse and filter cake are better applied in anaerobic digestion processes to produce biogas and biofertilizer. These treatments, when correctly employed, can improve the performance of sugarcane industry by diversifying its energy sources and products. For this, the correct design of equipment and processes is essential, which requires the knowledge of physical and chemical properties of sugarcane industry’s by-products. In this context, the chapter goal is to present an updated literature review for these properties, considering their use in energy recovery processes.