Technical Feasibility Study of Orange Wood Residues (Citrus sinensis) for Bioenergy Generation

Abstract

The production of orange (Citrus sinensis) generates many residues, and the few that are used are usually by-products of the fruit juice processing industry. Among the residues, wood is potentially advantageous for use in bioenergy, but with few records in the literature. In this sense, this study sought to evaluate the feasibility of using orange wood for energy purposes by performing chemical characterization, immediate analysis, FTIR, calorific value, thermogravimetry and bulk and energetic densities for three compositions: 100% trunk (100T), 90% trunk + 10% bark (90T10B) and 100% bark (100B). 100T showed a higher fixed carbon content (16.76%) and equality with 90T10B in lignin, holocellulose, useful calorific value and volatile materials. 100B presented higher extractives and ash contents of 19.67% and 10.35%, respectively. The FTIR spectra and thermogravimetric curves were similar in 100T and 90T10B. 100B showed more stages of degradation and a higher incidence of peaks in the range 780–612 cm−1. The bulk density was equal in 100T and 90T10B, but the energy density was higher in 100T (6.16 Gj.m−3). 100T and 90T10B are good options for bioenergy and the chemical composition and thermal degradation of 100B point to new investigations in this composition.