Análisis del poder calorífico de Eucalyptus globulus y Piptocoma discolor para la elaboración de carbón en el cantón Guano, provincia de Chimborazo.

Abstract

The aim was to analyze the calorific value of Eucalyptus globulus and Piptocoma discolor for charcoal production in the Province of Chimborazo, using a verification of assumptions and statistical tests for two independent samples. The IBM-SPSS 25.0 statistical package was used for data analysis. The standards used were: Instituto Ecuatoriano de Normalización (INEN) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International. Five wood samples were used for each specie. Wood and charcoal density: Initial weights were taken and the volume was recorded with a digital calibrator. Wood moisture: Initial and final weights were recorded and the samples were taken to the oven for 24h at 105°C. Volatile Material: Samples were taken to a muffle calibrated at 900°C for 9 minutes and the final weights were recorded. Ash content: Samples were placed in a muffle calibrated at 450°C for one hour, then calibrated again at 750°C for 2 hours, and finally calibrated at 950°C for 2 hours until complete incineration. Calorific value: The data was replaced in the established formula. The results obtained were: Eucalyptus globulus 43.88% (wood moisture), 11.43% (charcoal moisture), 0.96 g/cm³ (green wood density), 0.82 g/c m³ (dry wood density), 0.36 g/cm³ (charcoal density), 1064.13 kcal/kg (wood calorific value), 6719.79 kcal/kg (charcoal calorific value). Piptocoma discolor: 43.88% (wood moisture), 59.38% (charcoal moisture), 0.85 g/cm³ (green wood density), 0.56 g/cm³ (green wood density), 0.32 g/cm³ (charcoal density), 804.61 kcal/kg (wood calorific value), 2604.01 kcal/kg (charcoal calorific value). It is concluded that the highest calorific value efficiency in kcal/kg was obtained by Eucalyptus globulus in both charcoal and wood. It is recommended to carry out new studies of species that obtain higher density in their wood and to make comparisons to determine their calorific value in both wood and charcoal.