Comparative study on the heating power of coconut fiber and carob (Prosopís pallída)

Abstract

Peru is a multicultural and diverse country. According to the Ministry of the Environment, 60% of the national territory is covered by forests (which estimated extension is 2.242.493 hectares). It is the second Latin American country with the largest extension in rainforests, followed by Brazil. However, the indiscriminate felling of trees has brought the extinction of a variety of flora and fauna as a consequence, all of which has produced an ecological unbalance. The carob tree (Prosopis pallida) grows in the dry forests of the northern coast of Peru. Its fruits, leaves, branches and logs are extracted to be used in different activities and commerce; this is to say that it has a great market demand. Nonetheless, its indiscriminate felling is turning it into an endangered species. This is why it is relevant to be aware of its preservation and the responsible use of each of its elements. The objective of this research is to numerically compare the heating power of the carob tree and the coconut fiber. The methodology of this study used a qualitative-interpretative design of documentary type; in order to do so, it was necessary to select the tools to be used for the revision and analysis of the data to be collected. Academic information was revised, taking into account scientific articles, graduation works in engineering, and the online version of the national newspaper in Peru. Around 50 articles were identified; however, only 24 were analyzed given their suitability to the topic being addressed in this study. The results showed the heating power of the coconut fiber (4024.8 kcal/kg), and that of the carob (4618 kcal/kg). In like manner, the referential values of certain materials in the form of briquettes were obtained, as established by the standards given by the ASTM METHOD D-2015- 66. In conclusion, there is evidence of a higher heating power in the carob, by 12%, in comparison to the coconut fiber; this means that the coconut fiber could be used as an alternative sustainable fuel thus avoiding the deforestation of carobs.