Experimental investigation on utilization of distillery sludge mixed with coal as a Low-grade fuel in brick kiln industry and product analysis

Abstract

Energy demand has been considerably increasing since the last few decades. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years and hence alternative energy sources look more attractive and practically feasible. Distillery sludge has emerged as an alternative promising renewable energy source due to its high calorific value, carbon content and volatile matter. Distillery sludge after mixing with coal in different proportion (3:1, 3:2, 1:1 and 1:3) was used in the brick kiln industry as a combustion fuel for the different time of baking. The study results showed that 60 % of coal mixed with 40 % sludge i.e. 3:2 ratio with 4 h baking time was found suitable for the operation of brick kiln plant due to optimum compressive strength (5.35 MPa) and water absorption (17.09 %). On analyzing the flue gas emission characteristics during the operation value of PM (482 mg/Nm3) for coal mixed sludge at the ratio of 3:2, the flue gas emission values were within the prescribed limit of regulatory authority. The other mineralogical properties of bottom ash indicated that it is rich in calcium sulphate and aluminates which can further be used in cement and construction industries. It is recommended that coal mixed sludge in the ratio 3:2 may be utilized as a fuel for partial replacement of coal in the brick kiln industry.