USE OF THE INAJÁ STIPE (Attalea maripa (AUBL.) MART.) FOR THE GENERATION OF BIOENERGY

The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioenergetics aptitude of Inaja stipe. The samples were collected in five sites in the northeast of Pará State: Cametá, Abaetetuba, São João de Pirabas, São Caetano de Odivelas and Capitão Poço. In each area, 25 matrices were identified and evaluated. The breast circumference (CAP) and the stipe length (AE) were collected for physical, chemical and energetic analysis, and a composite sample was collected from three random stipes from each zone. The analyzes were in accordance with the recommended Brazilian standards: ABNT 11940 (1983) for the physical analysis, ABNT 8112 (1986) for chemical analysis, and ABNT 8633 (1983) for energetic analysis. Regarding CAP, an average of 132.43 cm was obtained (CV = 27.81%), and AE had an average of 314.89 cm (CV = 30.67%). These variations may be explained by the different bioclimatic conditions in each region where the populations are located, as well as the different ages of each palm tree. The average values of the physical variables, moisture content and basic density were 50.09% and 0.34 g.cm-³, respectively. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a drying process, and it may be outdoors for the equilibrium moisture content with the region. The chemical tests indicated an average volatile matter of 82.46%, with an ash content of 0.83% and a fixed carbon of 16.76%. The higher calorific value was, on average, 4586.25 kcal.kg-1. The results indicate that Inaja stipe can be suitable for energetic uses, such as heat generation.