Estimation of boiler ash generation in slaughterhouses of Paraná: energy analysis and environmental utilization potential

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Abstract
This study estimates the annual generation of ash from biomass combustion in boilers at slaughterhouses in Paraná, based on animals slaughtered under federal inspection in 2024 and thermoenergetic parameters reported in the literature. The methodology converted slaughter volumes into species-specific thermal demand, which was then translated into biomass consumption used as fuel, considering ranges of lower heating value; finally, ash production was estimated using ash contents between 0.5 and 0.8%. The resulting estimates were 91–154 t yr⁻¹ for cattle, 540–912 t yr⁻¹ for swine, and 167–282 t yr⁻¹ for poultry, totaling 798–1,348 t yr⁻¹ of ash generated. Low seasonality was observed, with monthly variations below 18%, and the swine sector accounted for approximately 60% of total ash generation, indicating a continuous supply of residue from cattle, swine, and poultry slaughtering. The results provide a quantitative baseline for ash management planning in Paraná’s meat-processing sector, indicating potential for valorization through agronomic, cementitious, and sustainable biosorbent pathways, subject to physicochemical characterization and regulatory compliance. Further performance testing, environmental risk assessment, and techno-economic analysis are recommended to confirm applicability at scale.