Sistema de monitoramento de temperatura em fornos de casas de farinha: uma análise técnica da qualidade do produto, tempo de produção e quantidade de lenha

Abstract

Cassava flour production is an essential activity for Brazilian family farming, especially in the Amazon region, where it plays a fundamental role in the economic and cultural subsistence of several communities. However, the lack of standardization in temperature control during the scalding and roasting stages in the ovens of flour mills can compromise the quality of the final product, increase firewood consumption and prolong production time. Given these challenges, this study investigates the feasibility of implementing a temperature monitoring system in these ovens, with a focus on improving flour quality, reducing production time and saving firewood consumption. The research was conducted in the quilombola community of São Benedito da Ponta, located in the municipality of Salvaterra, on Marajó Island, Pará, using an experimental approach with field data collection. To this end, a thermal monitoring system was developed using the Arduino platform, capable of informing the farmer, in real time, of the oven temperature during the production process. Comparative tests between the traditional method and the use of the system allowed the evaluation of the impacts of the proposal. The results showed that the adoption of the system enabled an approximate reduction of 14.57% in firewood consumption and 11.67% in the total production time, without compromising the quality of the flour. The physical-chemical analyses performed indicated that the product obtained with the aid of the system met the standards established by Normative Instruction No. 52/2011 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), presenting less variation in granulometry and humidity. These findings reinforce the potential of integrating technologies accessible to family farming, contributing to the modernization of flour mills without changing traditional practices. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of investments in research and public policies that encourage the adoption of temperature monitoring systems, aiming to increase productivity, promote sustainability and increase the sector’s competitiveness in the market.