PROJETO DE UMA UNIDADE PARA EXTRAÇÃO DE BIOSSÍLICA A PARTIR DAS CINZAS DA CASCA DO ARROZ GERADAS EM SISTEMA DE COGERAÇÃO DE ENERGIA

Abstract

This work presents a proposal for the extraction of biosilica from rice husk ash (RHA), aiming at the valorization of an abundant solid residue in the rice sector. The methodology adopted was based on three stages: theoretical-conceptual review, laboratory experimentation, and development of a proposed industrial-scale process. The laboratory experiments resulted in white silica, and characterization by X-ray diffraction confirmed the obtaining of amorphous biosilica. Based on the results, mass and energy balances associated with the unit operations of the extraction process were developed, including acid leaching, filtration, drying, calcination, and particle size classification. From these balances, the preliminary sizing of the main equipment necessary for the extraction unit was carried out, such as a leaching tank, filter washer, dryer, calcination furnace, mill, and industrial sieves. The designed unit has the capacity to process 248.53 tons of rice husk per day, producing approximately 5.98 MW of energy and 39 tons of biosilica per day, demonstrating the technical viability of the integrated process. Thus, the proposal of this work constitutes a sustainable alternative that promotes the circular economy in the rice sector, transforming a low-value-added residue into a high-potential technological input (biosilica) and renewable energy.