Abstract
The utilisation of micro-scale thermal treatment technologies for non-sewered applications has been emerging as a prominent route for the safe treatment and disposal of high water content hazardous feedstock. This study provides a comprehensive review of the technological concepts practiced up to date in commercial/pilot and small scales for various types of solid fuels. The respective challenges are critically described and discussed to aid in the selection of promising technology for on-site sanitary applications. Furthermore, the challenges observed with the nominated (pyrolysis) technology are discussed in detail and addressed. This study suggests rapid energy recovery from by-products primarily made up of the highest yield of syngas with a desirable calorific value. The optimum operating ranges are discussed to ensure a reliable thermal conversion of sludge materials considering the application constraints and technology drawbacks. However, further studies are needed to investigate the uncertainties regarding emissions, energy consumption and overall associated costs.
Highlights
This review followed two comprehensive objectives, further mentioned below, with an aim to address a suitable technology for the proper on-site conversion of solid waste materials generated in non-sewered applications: 1
A major technical challenge observed with this technology is the energy intensity in addition to the pre-treatment, which was addressed through the addition of an on-site rapid energy recovery step from the by-products
Pyrolysis temperature of 400–600 ◦ C and the heating rates pursued at low ranks could result in a sustainable thermal conversion range for moist waste materials
Summary
Human excreta is a hazardous waste that needs to be managed safely. Faecal sludge (FS) is a generic term referring to the mixture of undigested or partially digested slurry/solids resulting from the storage or treatment of black water or excreta with or without grey water [2]. Faecal sludge management (FSM) includes storage, collection, transport and treatment in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the safe end use or disposal of FS [2]. FSM relates to non-sewered sanitation systems such as pit latrines and septic tanks [3]. Several organisations such as the international sanitation community, Water and Sanitation for the
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