Experiences on vinasse disposal. Part III: Combustion of vinasse-#6 fuel oil emulsions

Abstract

Vinasse, a residual substance left after sugarcane alcohol distillation, represents a major environmental problem for the ethanol industry. No one has found a convenient and economical disposal solution for this black-reddish (Vinasse presents a light brown color and a low total solids content, from 2-4%, when it is obtained from straight sugarcane juice and a black-reddish color and total solids ranging from 5-10% when it is obtained from sugarcane molasses, which is the case of the vinasse used in this study.), viscous, high B.O.D. and acid material which is produced in quantities up to 15 times larger than those of the alcohol itself. This research investigated and developed the basic technology of on-site disposal of vinasse by combustion. Besides the clean ecological benefit, this method promotes energy savings and extra benefits when rich potassium vinasse ash is commercialized. Basic research was conducted using the facilities in the Combustion Laboratory (Mechanical Engineering Dept. at the Louisiana State University Campus in Baton Rouge). This research on vinasse combustion consisted of determining heating values, composition, and flame characteristics through combustion tests. Initially only vinasse was used in different solid concentrations and later emulsions were prepared using vinasse and # 6 fuel oil.