Estudo do aproveitamento de resíduo de palha de trigo como combustível alternativo para a caldeira de uma fábrica de massas

Abstract

The search for sustainability has encouraged the reuse of industrial waste as raw material in processes that aim at energy alternatives, combining operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. This work evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of partially replacing eucalyptus chips with wheat straw as an alternative fuel in a fire-tube boiler installed in a pasta factory. Wheat straw, a residue generated during the grain sifting process, was analyzed for its potential as an energy source applied to an industrial system. The energy properties of the fuels involved were determined, based on the upper (PCS) and lower (PCI) calorific values, in addition to the modeling of the mass and energy balance of the boiler, analysis of ash generation and the influence of humidity. Burning efficiency was calculated based on fuel consumption per ton of product. Environmental impacts were also assessed based on atmospheric emission data, and economic impacts were assessed based on reduced chip consumption and operating costs. The results showed that introducing wheat straw to up to 15.15% of the total fuel mass maintains the system's energy efficiency without compromising boiler operation. Partial replacement proved to be a viable alternative, with operational benefits, using waste that would otherwise be discarded to generate energy; environmental benefits, with no increase in carbon monoxide emissions; and economic benefits, reducing the cost of purchasing eucalyptus chips; in addition to promoting the practice of the circular economy within the industry.