Refuse Derived Fuel Production Research Articles

Preliminary findings on the potential of converting municipal solid waste into refuse-derived fuel as an alternative renewable energy source from the Jakarta waste case study

Abstract The conversion of municipal solid waste (MSW) to refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is a promising technology for addressing waste management issues and obtaining a sustainable source of renewable energy. However, the implementation of RDF technology for MSW management in Indonesia, particularly in urban areas, has not yet been realized. This study aims to evaluate the viability of producing RDF from MSW, specifically the waste generated by Jakarta city, which is representative of other large cities in Indonesia. The research analyzed the MSW, including its physical and chemical properties, such as composition, proximate and ultimate analysis, and energy content. In order to investigate the potential adoption of bio-drying technology for the production of RDF from waste in Jakarta, a pilot scale experiment was conducted using a batch system. The results of the characterization indicate that the sample comprises of more than 50% organic waste, and furthermore, the moisture content in the samples is greater than 60%. The waste typically contains a carbon content of around 50% and a calorific value of approximately 1400 kcal/kg. RDF products produced through bio-drying can achieve a moisture content of 37.88% and a heating value of 2675 kcal/kg. The results further emphasize the potential of the produced RDF as a feasible source of renewable energy.

CURRENT PROBLEMS IN THE COMBUSTIBLE MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT – A CASE STUDY FOR PRE-RDF, RDF AND SRF MANAGEMENT IN POLAND

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is one of the municipal waste processing products generated inmechanical-biological installations. The RDF production allows energy recovery while reducingthe mass of landfilled waste. RDF is produced mainly from mixed waste stream with combustibleproperties. Currently, the main recipient of RDF fuels in Poland is the cement industry, whichaccepts only high-quality fuels. Annually a reduction of combustible waste share in the pre-RDFfraction intensifies difficulties in producing fuels with a sufficiently high calorific value. However,due to the energy transformation, it is planned that RDF would also be used in the heating sector.A positive aspect of this situation is the emergence of alternative recipients of RDF, even with theirlower calorific value. This may improve the market situation of RDF and reduce operation costs formunicipal installations in the long-term perspective.

Advancing towards greener healthcare: Innovative solutions through single-use mask waste to refuse-derived fuel utilization

The healthcare sector faces increasing challenges in managing the environmental impact of single-use masks and medical waste, prompting the exploration of innovative solutions for greener healthcare. This study investigates converting single-use mask waste into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) as a sustainable waste management approach. A quantitative analysis assessed the average waste generation of single-use masks in a healthcare facility over three months. The potential RDF production was estimated by calculating single-use masks' weight and calorific value. Additionally, Thermogravimetric Analysis was employed to evaluate the thermal behavior of RDF and its suitability as an alternative fuel source. The findings indicate an average monthly waste generation of 41,555 masks weighing 111.2 kg. RDF production from single-use mask waste yields a daily output of 3.706 kg, providing a promising solution to reduce medical waste. TGA analysis reveals a multi-step degradation process for RDF, with a significant mass loss between 300 and 500 °C, rendering it a viable renewable energy source. Converting single-use mask waste into RDF presents an opportunity for healthcare institutions to contribute to net-zero emission goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing sustainable waste management practices.

ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF REFUSE-DERIVED FUEL (RDF) PRODUCTION AS WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND ALTERNATIVE FUEL IN CEMENT KILNS

Background: The growing issues about waste management and climate change compel the exploration and implementation of sustainable energy solutions derived from waste. In this context, Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), a processed solid fuel generated from municipal solid waste (MSW), presents itself as a promising strategy. By offering an alternative to conventional fossil fuels, RDF can mitigate the environmental impact of MSW and potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. RDF can provide cleaner energy for a more sustainable future. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the RDF site's economic condition, revenue generation, costs, and the net benefit from RDF production in RDF Plant-based landfills in Indonesia. Method: In addition, cost–benefit analysis (CBA) was carried out to study the economic factors. Result: According to cost-benefit analysis, benefits are higher than production costs. The net benefit gained in this study is IDR 33.035.853.659, with each ton of RDF offering IDR 1.242.977 in benefits. The study revealed that revenue per ton RDF is about IDR 414.000, with a production cost RDF of 342.388 per ton. Conclusion: The study concludes that utilizing all generated waste into RDF presents a financially beneficial strategy for municipalities and consumers (cement kilns). Findings indicate the potential for RDF implementation to yield cost savings and land savings.

An Opportunity for Coal Thermal Power Plants Facing Phase-Out: Case of the Power Plant Vojany (Slovakia)

The study deals with the possibilities of using alternative types of fuels to produce electricity. Power Plant Vojany (PPV) is a thermal power plant (TPP) in eastern Slovakia, which is part of the company Slovenské elektrárne, a. s. (SE). PPV primarily used black coal to produce electricity, which had to be imported from abroad (the Russian Federation). This activity has become inefficient both economically and environmentally, due to the high price of CO2 permits and the high emission factor of this type of fuel. PPV decided to co-combust biomass and refuse-derived fuel (RDF), which resulted in much better economic conditions due to their price, economic efficiency, and partly closed CO2 cycle. The aim of the paper is to explore the possibilities related to the production of energy in the cleanest possible way and with the least possible damage to the environment in coal thermal power plants using the example of operating Power Plant Vojany located in eastern part of Slovakia and to inspire each other for the modern transformation. For the purposes of hypothesis verification, analytical methods focused on overview studies of average fuel prices, comparisons, and the balance of fuels in connection with eliminated CO2 emissions, as well as municipal waste (MW) management in the EU and V4 countries, were used. The authors also focused on the energy recovery and combustion of MW and tracking the achieved CO2 savings in connection with the development of fuel sources in PPV. The results point to the fact that PPV is one of the power plants that could use biomass and RDF as fuel, which confirms the economic advantages of this procedure. The results confirm that the potential of RDF production in Slovakia is sufficient to ensure the operation of PPV at planned, even higher volumes of electricity production. The transformation to cleaner operation of coal thermal power plants represents a significant contribution of this study.

Utilization of pineapple peels, rice-washed water, and local microorganisms derived from golden snails in biodrying process of yard waste

Comestoarra.com developed Teknologi Olah Sampah di Sumber (TOSS), an on-site solid waste processing method, which efficiently converted yard waste, specifically leaves and twigs, into biomass pellets through three steps: shredding, biodrying, and pelletization. During biodrying, bioactivators expedited moisture reduction. A comparative study was conducted between Comestoarra’s AR124 bioactivator and an alternative, MOL, derived from pineapple peels, rice-washed water, and golden snails, with the first two being waste materials and the latter a rice field pest. To assess their performance in converting yard waste into refuse-derived fuel (RDF), various parameters were analyzed: moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon content, and calorific value. The Indonesian Standard SNI 8966:2021 for RDF in power plants served as reference criteria. Both bioactivators met these standards. AR124-produced RDF had 8.0±0.0% moisture, 65.0±1.0% volatile matter, 13.7±4.9% ash, 13.3±4.2% fixed carbon, and calorific value of 14.74±1.3MJ/kg (3,523±310.7 kcal/kg). MOL bioactivator resulted in RDF with 5.0±0.0% moisture, 65.0±1.0% volatile matter, 16.7±4.2% ash, 13.3±4.2% fixed carbon, and calorific value of 13.89±1.1MJ/kg (3,320±262.9 kcal/kg). These findings suggest that MOL holds promise as a bioactivator for improving the biodrying process in RDF production.

Maximizing RDF recovery potential through the integration of electrical resistivity tomography and frequency-domain electromagnetic surveys for waste characterization in open dump mining

Open dumping is a widespread waste management technique used in developing countries. This approach is simple and economical but has numerous environmental and health impacts. Open dump mining (ODM) can reduce waste in both open and controlled dumpsites by converting waste into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for energy generation; however, before ODM implementation, the waste's characteristics and composition must be assessed. Geophysical surveys are widely used to characterize waste. The electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method is a particularly common technique for determining waste composition, but it has several limitations. Therefore, a frequency-domain electromagnetic (FDEM) survey was used in this study as a pre-screening tool to evaluate the waste composition and overcome the limitations of ERT surveys. This study aimed to determine the relationship between geophysical data types (i.e., ERT and FDEM) and the optimal waste composition for RDF production and assess the ability of FDEM surveys to identify areas with RDF recovery potential. This study combined ERT and FDEM surveys with waste sample analysis in old/new controlled dumpsites in Thailand. The quantitative and qualitative correlations between the geophysical data (i.e., resistivity, conductivity, waste composition, and moisture content (MC)) were then assessed using linear and multiple linear regression analysis. Integrating geophysical surveys was found to have the potential to locate optimal RDF recovery areas, with low conductivity (0–100 mS/m) and high resistivity (>55 Ω·m) characteristics associated with areas of high RDF content (>40 % by weight). An unexpected finding was that increased waste age resulted in increased resistivity and decreased conductivity. Additionally, the MC depended on factors affecting spatial variability (e.g., precipitation and biodegradation). Overall, this study demonstrates that integrating ERT and FDEM surveys is a suitable pre-screening tool to evaluate waste characteristics and composition, mitigate ERT survey limitations, and improve waste investigation before ODM.

Solid waste management by RDF production from landfilled waste to renewable fuel of Nonthaburi

A worldwide increase in waste production and energy demand as the world's population grows and consumes more resources: therefore, sustainable waste management strategies are important. The goal of this work is to research the guidelines for the appropriate RDF production and landfill waste management of the Nonthaburi province, Thailand. Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) produced from landfilled Waste (LW) in Nonthaburi was investigated the physicochemical. The following procedure has implemented for the production of LW to RDF of 25 tons/hr of LW; (i) the LW was placed in a pre-shredder, which was followed by a primary crusher; (ii) metals were removed from the waste stream using a magnetic separator; (iii) the LW was transferred using a conveyor belt to a dynamic disc screen, where recyclable waste was separated into smaller sizes less than 80 mm.; (iv) the waste passed through an air separator to reject high-density materials (soil and glass); (v) the undesired material were separated manually, and (vi) the desired material were baled. RDF composition consisted of 78.16-67.93% plastics, 2.29 -4.34% rubber, 1.27% wood, 1.53-2.19 % textile, and other (soil-like material) 12.19-26.72%. The proximate and elemental analysis of RDF was determined according to the ASTM method. The moisture content was reduced, and the heating value increased to 18.08-29.41 MJ/kg. The results suggested high carbon and low nitrogen content suitable for energy conversion. The separation can effectively convert LW to RDF, which can be applied as an alternative fuel. Therefore, RDF can contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Unlocking the Energy Potential of Temple Waste and Coconut Fiber through Refuse Derived Fuel Production toward Sustainable Energy

Unlocking the Energy Potential of Temple Waste and Coconut Fiber through Refuse Derived Fuel Production toward Sustainable Energy

Brief Overview of Refuse-Derived Fuel Production and Energetic Valorization: Applied Technology and Main Challenges

A large part of municipal solid waste (MSW) still goes to landfills, representing an environmental concern. A circular economy approach can enable safe management of MSW while mitigating the increasing energy needs when waste is used as a feedstock in energy production processes (waste to energy). Currently, MSW can be converted into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) through mechanical and biological treatment processes. This study analyzes the status of MSW and RDF production, as well as its main destinations in Portugal and Europe. The legislation applied, possible energy-recovery routes, and challenges associated with energy recovery are discussed throughout this paper. This research finds that the production of RDF in Portugal has been neglected, mostly because of RDF composition being quite heterogeneous and its poor fuel properties. Therefore, the need to improve and upgrade the characteristics and properties of RDF for waste-to-energy processes was detected. RDF can be pretreated to be further applied to waste-to-energy and waste-to-gas processes, such as incineration and gasification. The technology readiness level data, costs, and SWOT analysis allowedto assess that although incineration is the most mature and widely used technology, gasification becomes more attractive, having lower costs and gaseous emissions, proving to be more efficient and sustainable for MSW and RDF conversion.

Refuse-derived fuel-3 production simulation using network flow modeling: Predicting the uncertainty in quality standards

Municipal solid waste management requires intelligent and integrated decision-making to achieve sustainable waste treatment processes. In particular, a waste treatment system that transforms municipal solid wastes into a commodity called refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is being researched as a promising waste to energy solution. This waste processing faces limitations in maintaining consistent production and quality control standards of RDF. In this context, a network flow modeling technique is used to design a stochastic discrete-event simulation model for the production in a general material recovery facility (MRF) to evaluate its performance. The developed model supports revisions in the strategic, tactical, and operational decision levels and is integrated with varied uncertainties like probability distributions of in-feed waste compositions, moisture content, and calorific value of individual waste components, affecting the energy performance of a MRF. The model provides improvements to operating conditions and enables prediction for quality standards of RDF, enabling the waste management authority to meet their outlined quality specification for the final product. The validation of the model is conducted in a way, where the quality measures of the final product collected from an MRF are compared with the estimated values those from the simulation. The comparison reveals that precision in results from the developed model, in all performed tests is consistent with actual observed results, inferring the developed simulation model as a viable tool for estimating quality measures for RDF. The foundations of the model are based of assumptions like emphasis on general representation but not physical properties of MRF, only selected sets of uncertainties are studied, and variations in the operating conditions can affect estimated quality of RDF.

Investigating the effect of waste age and soil covering on waste characteristics prior to landfill mining using an electrical resistivity tomography technique

This study analyzed the potential of landfill mining for refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production based on waste electrical resistivity, including the influence of waste age and soil cover. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used to determine the resistivity value of landfilled waste in four active and inactive zones, with two to four ERT survey lines collected per zone. Waste samples were collected for composition analysis. Linear and multivariate regression analyses were used to constrain the data correlation based on the waste's physical characteristics. An unexpected finding was that soil cover, rather than the waste's age, influenced the characteristics of the waste. To evaluate the RDF recovery potential, multivariate regression analysis showed a significant correlation between electrical resistivity, conductive materials, and moisture content. However, the obtained correlation between electrical resistivity and RDF fraction using linear regression analysis can be more conveniently used to evaluate RDF production potential in practice.

Modification of the Aeration-Supplied Configuration in the Biodrying Process for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Production

Biodrying is an essential part of the mechanical–biological treatment process that minimizes moisture content and simultaneously maximizes heating value for refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production. Although the mechanical separation process operates effectively in Thailand’s RDF production, high organic content levels and their degradation cause moisture contamination in RDF, producing wet RDF. Aeration is essential for an effective biodrying process, and can reduce RDF’s moisture content as well as increase its heating value. To maximize the biodrying effect, aeration should be optimized based on the waste conditions. This study proposes a modified aeration-supplied configuration for wet RDF biodrying. The aeration rate was modified based on the period within the biodrying operation; the first period is from the beginning until day 2.5, and the second period is from day 2.5 to day 5. The optimal aeration supply configuration was 0.5 m3/kg/day in the first period and then 0.3 m3/kg/day until the end of the process; this configuration yielded the greatest moisture content decrease of 35% and increased the low heating value of the biodried product by 11%. The final moisture content and low heating value were 24.07% and 4787 kcal/kg, respectively. Therefore, this optimal aeration-supplied configuration could be applied to meet the moisture content and low heating value requirements of the RDF production standard for Thailand’s local cement industry.

Economic feasibility of refuse derived fuel production from agricultural biomass waste in Durban, South Africa

The study explores cost implications of alternate use of some agricultural wastes for energy use through refuse derived fuel (RDF) from solid agricultural wastes. The economic feasibility of RDF from agricultural wastes in Durban was carried out. The analysis was performed by determining some economic indices. The total capital cost obtained was $5.70 million while the total revenue from the system was $13.49 million for the entire project life of 13 years (360,000 Kg of ASW). The quantitative economic indices obtained were NR = $0.12 million, rate of return on investment = 17.1%, PBP = 3.4 years, and NPV = $3.53. The total capital cost of $5.70 million is within the budgetary amount allocated for agriculture ($70 million) in the region. The results showed that cost of processing dominated the cost of production but the availability of affordable solid agricultural waste for RDF production minimised the cost of RDF production.

Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste and Assessment of Its Potential for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Valorization

Reuse and recycling are preferred strategies in waste management to ensure the high position of waste resources in the waste management hierarchy. However, challenges are still pronounced in many developing countries, where disposal as a final solution is prevalent, particularly for municipal solid waste. On the other hand, refuse-derived fuel as a means of energy recovery provides a sustainable option for managing mixed, contaminated and residual municipal solid waste (MSW). This study provides one of the earliest assessments of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from MSW in Ghana through a case study in the cities of Accra and Kumasi. The residual/reject fractions (RFs) of MSW material recovery were characterized for thermochemical energy purposes. The studied materials had the potential to be used as RDF. The combustible portions from the residual fractions formed good alternative fuel, RDF, under the class I, II-III classification of the EN 15359:2011 standards. The RDF from only combustible mixed materials such as plastics, paper and wood recorded a significant increase in the lower heating value (28.66–30.24 MJ/kg) to the mass RF, with the presence of organics (19.73 to 23.75 MJ/kg). The chlorine and heavy metal content met the limits set by various standards. An annual RDF production of 12 to 57 kilotons is possible from the two cities. This can offset 10–30% of the present industrial coal consumption, to about 180 kiloton/yr CO2 eq emissions and a net cost saving of USD 8.7 million per year. The market for RDF as an industrial alternative fuel is developing in Ghana and similar jurisdictions in this context. Therefore, this study provides insights into the potential for RDF in integrated waste management system implementation for socioeconomic and environmental benefits. This supports efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a circular economy.

Efficiency of municipal packaging waste recovery chain and suitability of separated residual waste fractions for use in alternative fuels production

Due to the sheer quantity and quality of material, packaging waste is separately collected by municipal waste management systems, with a primary goal of its use in material recovery. The residual waste, i.e. rejected waste in the separation process can be energy recovered. Both recovery options have specific input material quality requirements. Therefore, it is important to know the characteristics of individual waste streams. This research analysed the composition and morphological characteristics of separately collected packaging waste from municipal waste management system, residual (rejected) waste fractions after separation steps and produced refuse-derived fuel (RDF). The efficiency of primary and secondary (manual) waste separation, as well as of the RDF production step, are tracked. Results show that primary waste separation produces material with under 7% of contaminants and secondary manual waste separation efficiency ranges between 45% and 55%. Physico-chemical comparison of simulated RDF strongly coincides with analysed properties of RDF as a final product which indicates very high separation efficiency in the RDF production. From the energy recovery/conversion standpoint, this can be quantified through deviations in the lower heating value (LHV) and the effective H/C molar ratio between simulated and real RDF samples, which are on the level of 1.8% and 1.1% respectively. The following conclusion can be made from the estimated relation between changes in separation efficiency and RDF energy-related characteristics; the separation efficiency of individual components plays important role in alternative fuel production as chemical compositions directly influence suitability for high-quality liquid fuel production. Results of this analysis shed a light on the connection between aspirations to increase material recovery share and the suitability of produced residual waste for further recovery and valorisation. The material and energetic valorisation are competitors, and further evaluation should be done to understand the investments needed to increase valuable fractions of wastes separation that, in turn, could diminish the energetic value of residual fractions and, therefore, the economic viability of energy recovery facilities.

The evaluation of energy consumption in transportation and processing of municipal waste for recovery in a waste-to-energy plant: a case study of Poland.

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) can be produced from combustible materials contained in municipal waste. This article investigates energy and material flow of waste in different scenarios for production of RDF from bulky waste, separately collected waste, and mixed municipal solid waste (MSW). We compare the proportion of energy consumption in transportation, handling waste, and processing using data from the waste collection company in South Poland. The findings show the components of the reverse supply chain consuming the highest value of energy. A model of material and energy flow has taken into consideration collection of waste and transportation by two categories of waste collection vehicles: light commercial vehicles and garbage trucks. The shipping of RDF from pre-treatment facilities uses tipper semi-trailers and walking floor trailers. The findings of the study show production of RDF from municipal solid waste consumes almost 10% of energy potential in RDF. Less energy is required for the production of RDF from bulky waste (2.2-4.8%) or separately collected waste (1.7-4.1%) depending on the efficiency of collection and selected vehicles. Transportation consumes the greatest portion of energy. For mixed municipal solid waste (MSW), it can reach 79%; for separated collection waste, 90%; and for bulky waste, up to 92% of the total energy consumed. Comparing emissions for two categories of the collection vehicles, no significant difference was found for the bulky waste collections. For mixed MSW and separately collected waste, the emissions are higher for garbage trucks. A recommendation for practitioners is optimization of routing to achieve a higher collection rate at a minimized route length. For transportation of RDF to WtE plants, vehicles with higher loading capacity are essential.

Economic Feasibility of Refuse Derived Fuel Production from Agricultural Biomass Waste in Durban, South Africa

Economic Feasibility of Refuse Derived Fuel Production from Agricultural Biomass Waste in Durban, South Africa

Synergizing environmental, social, and economic sustainability factors for refuse derived fuel use in cement industry: A case study in Espirito Santo, Brazil

The cement industry has been under pressure due to the environmental impact of high cement production, which demands a significant amount of energy and results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In many developed countries, the cement industry has sought to replace conventional fossil fuels with alternatives to minimize GHG emissions; however, Brazil has underexploited this possibility. Considering the potential of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) to reduce the non-recycled waste disposed in landfills, and its suitable performance as an alternative fuel for cleaner cement production, this paper presents a reverse logistics network analysis for RDF production planning with respect to local economic incentives, social euqity and justice, pollution prevention, and global environmental concerns regarding carbon emissions reduction. The reverse logistics network involves important stakeholders related in waste management in Espirito Santo, Brazil, especially harmonizing social sustainability concerns between waste pickers’ cooperatives and waste retailers. By considering the waste generated in 78 municipalities in the Espírito Santo state, the possible levels of fuel replacement in cement industries reflects the economic sustainability of the timeframe of the solid waste management policy implementation. The results showed that the RDF to be produced varies from 42,446.5 tonnes in 2024 with a small fuel replacement by cement industries, to 567,092.1 tonnes in 2040 if all non-recyclable waste available can be used to produce RDF. The avoided annual disposal costs via this network analysis vary from $3,855,412.0 in the initial years to $47,822,876.8 in the year 2040 under optimistic conditions, representing around 25% of the total cost in the network. The cost and GHG emitted reduced significantly in all simulated scenarios; however, the financial incentives are essential for achieving the network social sustainability.

Policy analysis for sustainable refuse-derived fuel production in Espírito Santo, Brazil

As municipal landfills are still the prevailing option for solid waste management in Brazil, there is a high possibility to recover combustible materials from both municipal and industrial waste streams with high calorific value through Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). RDF can be utilized as substitute fuels in cement and other industries that could, in turn, reduce energy consumption and the landfill space for waste disposal. However, relevant policies for use of RDF in Brazil are unclear due to the lack of systematic socioeconomic assessment concerning cost, benefit, and risk aspects. This paper is aimed to present a system dynamics modeling analysis to estimate the availability of potential recyclable waste streams from municipal and industrial sectors for RDF production in Brazil and discuss possible policy interventions. The model was simulated based on a 20-year timeframe in accordance with possible waste management policies in Espírito Santo (a Brazilian state). The results provide the annual waste availability from four different routes with respect to the pessimistic, intermediate, and optimistic scenarios considered. With the partial implementation of the actions indicated in the proposed solid waste management policy, it is envisioned that there will be sufficient waste streams for RDF production under dynamic uncertainties, given the limited cost-benefit-risk trade-off assessment. In addition to the direct benefits of sustainable RDF production as a substitute for fossil fuels in the cement industry, the indirect environmental benefits are salient as the regulations for circular economy can be functional in the future.