Elaboración de biocombustibles sólidos densificados a partir de tusa de maíz, bioaglomerante de yuca y carbón mineral del departamento de Córdoba

The department of Córdoba produces 45,000 tons of waste from corn (corncob) per year, which does not represent any added value to the producer. Also, the residues are burnt in open air, producing atmospheric pollution issues. However, this residual biomass can be used as fuel by densification processes. The objective of this research was to establish the optimal mixture of corncob, coal with a high percentage of sulfur produced in Mina the Guacamaya Puerto Libertador (Córdoba-Colombia) and binder cassava through a statistical analysis of an experimental design of reticular simplex mixtures, in order to obtain briquettes with good compressive strength and durability according to CEN/ standards TS: 15210 part two and NTC-2060 respectively. Furthermore, in this investigation the heating value of coal is raised by adding biomass. However, this addition does not significantly increase the percentage of sulfur. The briquettes were obtained with a compressive strength of 223.7 kgf, durability 97.3%, 17.5 calorific value MJ/kg and a percentage of 0.4% sulfur.