Production of ecological charcoal from coffee and cocoa waste obtained through pyrolysis technology, in the province of La Convención, Cusco.

Abstract

This study addresses the problem of inadequate management of agricultural waste in the Cusco Convention, Peru, focusing on coffee and cocoa waste. The production of ecological charcoal is proposed as a sustainable alternative to conventional charcoal to reduce and add value to these wastes. The research is based on an experimental approach that details the carbonization process of the waste, considering variables such as waste type, temperature and carbonization time. Samples of coffee and cocoa waste were selected with humidity levels of 14.596% and 14.786%, respectively. Five different combinations were made to determine the optimal dosage: 50% coffee - 50% cocoa, 75% coffee - 25% cocoa, 25% coffee - 75% cocoa, 60% coffee - 40% cocoa, and 40% coffee - 60% cocoa. Each combination was carbonized under controlled conditions of temperature, time and according to the established combinations. The calorific value for each combination was determined, finding that sample 3 (25% coffee - 75% cocoa) showed the highest result, with 25.6 MJ/kg, while sample 2 (75% coffee - 25% cocoa) exhibited the lowest calorific value, with 24.6 MJ/kg. The results indicate that the optimal combination to maximize the calorific value was sample 3 (25% coffee - 75% cocoa). This finding suggests that the relative content of coffee and cocoa significantly influences the properties of the generated organic charcoal.