Refuse Derived Fuel Research Articles

Technical and financial feasibility study of utilization municipal solid waste as Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) in Griyo Mulyo landfill

Griyo Mulyo landfill, the only final waste processing facility owned by Sidoarjo Regency, received a waste generation of 201,975 tons/year in 2022. Most of the municipal solid waste received by the Griyo Mulyo landfill was straightly dumped at the old landfill at 82.2% of total solid waste. Therefore, this research examined the potential for solid waste reduction at Griyo Mulyo final processing site with the Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) plant. In addition, an analysis of the financial feasibility of the RDF process and the environmental impact resulting from this process was also carried out. In this study, an analysis of the generation, composition, and density of solid waste received by Griyo Mulyo Landfill was carried out. From these data, the calculation of the mass balance of waste processing is carried out. The financial condition of RDF processing needs to be analyzed for financial feasibility, whether this activity is economically feasible. Some financial data required to calculate feasibility are sales of RDF products, RDF investment costs, and operational and maintenance costs. The result shows an average reduction in RDF raw material was 7.72% annually. The financial analysis on waste recovery to the RDF conversion system on Griyo Mulyo final processing site is feasible to be applied.

Utilizing Pyrolysis of Plastic Debris for Refuse-Derived Fuel Production and Viable Substitute to Wood Debris

Utilizing Pyrolysis of Plastic Debris for Refuse-Derived Fuel Production and Viable Substitute to Wood Debris

Feasibility Study for Finding Mathematical Approaches to Describe the Optimal Operation Point of Sensor-Based Sorting Machines for Plastic Waste.

At present, sensor-based sorting machines are usually not operated at the optimal operation point but are either overrun or underrun depending on the availability of waste streams. Mathematical approaches for predefined ideal mixtures can be found based on the input stream composition and the throughput rate. This scientific article compares whether and under what conditions these approaches can be applied to sensor-based sorting machines. Existing data for predefined ideal mixtures are compared with newly generated data of real waste on three sensor-based sorting setups in order to make significant statements. Five samples of 3D plastics at regular intervals were taken in a processing plant for refuse-derived fuels. With the comparison of all these results, four hypotheses were validated, related to whether the same mathematical approaches can be transferred from ideal mixtures to real waste and whether they can be transferred to sensor-based sorting machines individually or depending on the construction type. The developed mathematical approaches are regression models for finding the optimal operation point to achieve a specific sensor-based sorting result in terms of purity and recovery. For a plant operator, the main benefit of the findings of this scientific article is that purity could be increased by 20% without substantially adapting the sorting plant.

The Influence of Protective Coatings on High-Temperature Corrosion under Biomass Ash Deposits

The presented research determined the performance of the protective coatings against the corrosion process under biomass and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) ash deposits. High-temperature corrosion tests were performed on steel grades intended for use in the fabrication of pressure parts working in elevated temperatures such as superheaters in power boilers. Two steel grades were investigated, P235GH and 16Mo3, and two protective coatings were applied, Inconel 625 and Alloy 310. The samples were sourced from the industrial boiler manufacturing company. The samples were exposed to two ashes originating from biofuels and one ash originating from RDF for comparison, all collected from Polish heat plants and power plants. Exposures were carried out in an oxidizing atmosphere for a maximum time of 504 h. The test temperatures of 480, 520, and 580 °C simulated superheater conditions of biofuel- and waste-fired power boilers. The corrosion kinetics were determined by weight change measurements conducted after 24, 168, and 504 h of the exposure. Regardless of the exposure temperature and the type of ash under which the samples were investigated, the use of 2.0 mm thick protective coatings resulted in smaller increases in the weight of the tested coupons which proves that alloy coatings give measurable results and are good remedies for chlorine-induced corrosion.

Polynomial Regression Model Utilization to Determine Potential Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Calories in Indonesia

Waste-to-energy (WTE) is one of the Indonesian government’s programs aiming to meet the target of achieving a new and renewable energy (NRE) mix, as well as one of the solutions proposed to overcome the problem of waste. One of the products of WTE is energy derived from raw material waste (refuse-derived fuel/RDF). Using the formula y = 0.00003 x5 − 0.0069 x4 + 0.6298 x3 − 24.3245 x2 + 432.8401 x + 55.7448 with R2 = 0.9963, which was obtained by comparing a scatter plot diagram from the RDF calorie test dataset produced through a bio-drying process, the potential RDF calories produced using the waste composition dataset taken from each region in Indonesia can be calculated. The results of the calculations using the determined equations produce a list of provinces with RDF calorie potential, ordered from the largest to the smallest, using which the government can determine which areas are the main priority for processing waste into energy. Thus, through this method, the target of 5.1% renewable energy sourced from waste can be achieved by 2025.

Elemental Compositions of Wood Plastic Pellets Made from Sawdust and Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Waste

The purpose of this research was to investigate the production and properties of wood plastic pellets (WPP) made from rubberwood sawdust and refuse-derived fuel (RDF). WPP samples were tested for chemical and physical properties and compared to standard wood pellets. The results showed that when using RDF, the elemental compositions of WPP can affect the content of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, and As. In addition, RDF samples had a higher heating value of 21.19–22.09 MJ/kg. The physical properties of the samples revealed that they had a density of 1175–1286 kg/m3, a mechanical durability of 98%, and a moisture content of 5.38–11.27%. According to the study’s findings, these manufactured mixed pellets have the potential to be beneficial for alternative sustainable green energy as fuels. Moreover, using RDF, which comes from MSW, could help in global warming mitigation.

Decarbonising of the Indian Cement Industry Through Alternative Fuels – Challenge of Transfer Chute Jamming

The Indian cement industry in COP27 highlighted its commitment to achieving net zero CO2 emission by 2070 made during COP26. The industry is moving towards decarbonisation and has identified various levers to achieve the goal. Fossil fuel replacement by Alternative Fuels (AFs) has been identified as one of the levers. Refused Derived Fuel (RDF), surplus biomass, industrial waste, and other societal wastes, etc., have emerged as potential AFs; however, their use comes with technical challenges like transfer chute jamming due to the wide range of variations in their properties. Jammed transfer chute leads to the breakdown of the entire transportation system and further fluctuation in AFs feeding to the kiln/calciner. Fluctuation in the feed rate of the AFs disturbs the fuel mix ratio (mix ratio of fossil fuel and AFs) and ultimately negatively impacts the process, operation, and quality of the produced cement. Transfer chute design is often overlooked, leading to build-up, blockage, and wear in chutes. Designing of transfer chute is more challenging when handling solid alternative fuels in cement plants, as the properties of these fuels have a wide range of variation where moisture may be as high up to 40%, bulk density may vary from 0.1 to 0.75 tonnes/m3, and particle size ranges from 1 to 100 mm, etc. This study covers a survey to establish which types of AFs, and their characteristics contribute to the chute jamming problem. The outcome of this study shall help the Indian cement industry to consider the appropriate inputs for transfer chute design and selection of the correct alternative fuels and their mix to avoid chute jamming.

Experimental Study of Biochar Production Process Using a Pilot Carbonization Kiln as a Biofuel’s Properties Improvement Module

Pyrolysis is a thermo-chemical process of biomass conversion to a carbon neutral or better fuels and materials from biomass. It is a thermal decomposition of organic material in a controlled (insufficient) oxygen at a high temperature thereby producing solid (biochar), liquid (oil) and gaseous products. Biochar produced during this process is a very valuable material that can be utilized as soil additive and in carbon sequestration, where the carbon can be stored (locked) in the soil. The result is improved soil structure, pH, water and nutrient retention and the mitigation of climate change. Biochar can also be utilized as biofuel in energy generation directly or converted to biomass briquettes thereby, improving its energy and economic value. Therefore, the present study, involved the production of biochar from an improvised 100 litres volume pilot carbonization kiln and experimentally studied the biochar yield. The result showed a yield of 2505g at average charring ratio of 33.9 % from 7396g of composite wastes, comprising of 1844g of mixture of Maize cob and coconut husk, 1030g of mixed vegetable stem and discarded fruits (sundried watermelon and fruits, 3321g of peeled yam, cassava peels, potatoes peels and discarded food materials, and 1201g of plantain bunches and peels. This results is an indication of good performance outcome of the carbonization kiln in biochar production for soil nutrient improvement and (or) for energy supply applications as refuse derived fuels (RDF).

Effect of red mud on combustion behavior and heavy metal stabilization of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)

Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) from municipal solid waste has become a promising and effective approach for waste storage and utilization. However, the poor combustion performance and heavy metals (HMs) emission limit the development of this technology. In this study, red mud (RM), an industrial waste from the alumina extraction process, was used as an additive to improve the combustion behavior of RDF. The results show that 10 wt% of red mud addition can increase the flammability index (F) and the comprehensive combustion characteristic index (S) by 91% and 156%, respectively. It significantly reduced the burnout temperature of RDF by 59 °C. Moreover, RM also promoted the transformation of HMs into more stable forms. The proportion of F4 speciation for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn Cd, and Pb in ash residues increased by 6.42%, 50.91%, 92.48%, 43.77%, 15.77%, and 4.53%, respectively, while the leaching rate of Cr, Ni, and Cd decreased by 1.7%, 0.99%, and 1.31%. The findings proved that RM could serve as an efficient additive for enhancing RDF combustion and stabilizing the HMs in ash residues, which would provide new insight into the co-utilization of wastes and the contribution to the clean combustion of RDF.

Complexity of Waste Handling Technology at Final Disposal Site of Bantargebang, Bekasi City

Major problems at final waste processing sites (TPAs) include leachate, groundwater pollution, public health, and social aspects. Landfills are a major contributor to environmental damage in the world with effects on warming, acidification, smog formation, eutrophication, ecotoxicity and cancer to human health and non-cancer categories. Waste management in D.K.I Jakarta Province is currently facing a shortage of Integrated Waste Management Site (TPST) space with waste production reaching 7,000 to 7,500 tons/day. The main challenge in today’s municipal solid waste management is the selection of the most appropriate waste processing scenario, where the chosen method must be efficient and effective in minimizing leaching and emissions and reducing landfill waste, so that the service life of final disposal will be longer. Final disposal Bantargebang is the largest final disposal in Indonesia with an area of 132,5 Ha, where 80% is used for waste management and 20% of the land is used for support facilities. Final disposal Bantargebang implements various technologies in waste management including landfill, PLTSA, composting, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and involves scavengers in waste management at final disposal Bantargebang. The most dominant type of waste is food waste which reaches 39%. Various current technologies are still not effective, the implementation of sanitary landfills in final disposal Bantargebang is still very difficult to meet the planned design criteria, and tends to implement open dumping. This increases the potential for groundwater and surface water pollution and contributes to increased GHGs. Surface water in final disposal Bantargebang is highly polluted with COD and BOD parameters that exceed quality standards. Therefore, the multi-technology applied at final disposal Bantargebang only achieves an efficiency of 8% of incoming waste and the rest is still landfill waste in the landfill zone which is 92%.

Possibilities of RDF Pyrolysis Products Utilization in the Face of the Energy Crisis

The main goal of the study was to assess the possibility of practical use of products of pyrolysis of refuse-derived fuel (RDF), i.e., pyrolysis gas, biochar and pyrolysis oil, as an alternative to standard fossil fuels. The subject matter of the paper reaches out to the challenges faced by the global economy, not only in the context of the energy crisis, but also in the context of the energy transformation currently beginning in Europe. The increase in fuel and energy prices prompts countries to look for alternative solutions to Russian minerals. At the same time, the growing amount of municipal waste forces the implementation of solutions based on energy recovery (the amount of municipal waste per EU inhabitant in 2021 is 530 kg). One such solution is pyrolysis of RDF, i.e., fuels produced from the over-sieve fraction of municipal waste. In Poland, insufficient processing capacity of thermal waste conversion plants has led to significant surpluses of RDF (1.2 million Mg of undeveloped RDF in Poland in 2021). RDF, due to their high calorific value, can be a valuable energy resource (16–18 MJ/k). This issue is analyzed in this study.

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.

Experimental study of RDF-5 performance based on natural waste on fast pyrolysis process on the quality of the liquid smoke

Energy problems are one of the cases faced by almost all countries in the world. No longer found oil reserves in significant quantities causing problems in the energy sector. The world's energy needs continue to increase and become a global problem in the use of energy in various sectors resulting in an energy crisis. The use of waste-to-energy (WtE) technology is appropriate, considering that energy needs continue to increase along with the increasing amount of waste that is not managed and hurts the ecosystem. Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is a waste management technique that converts waste into bio-solid fuel. RDF is produced from the mechanical separation of combustible and non-combustible fractions from waste. Utilizing RDF biomass from durian peel and sugar palm is one of the efforts to maximize the pyrolysis process in organic waste, increasing the combustion potential. Processing durian skin and sugar palm waste into RDF will maximize the potential of the combustion results, which can later facilitate testing. This study also aims to utilize sugar palm waste and durian peel to have a use value as an alternative fuel. This research was an experimental study, fast pyrolysis was employed by using 300 grams both in durian and sugar palm, and the temperature was varied from 400, 500, and 600 °C. The results showed that the test of liquid smoke RDF-5 sugar palm at a temperature of 400 °C at 112 mL and RDF-5 durian at 600 °C at 137 mL.

Inorganic Waste Management and Energy Potential: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability

This study aims to evaluate the potential of inorganic waste as an energy source at TPS 3R Kasih (Indonesian waste management facility), a waste management site currently facing challenges with effective solid waste segregation. A comprehensive assessment was performed by analyzing heap size, waste composition, density, and energy potential through proximate and ultimate tests. The findings revealed that the site generates an average of 12.34 tons of waste per week, with inorganic waste accounting for 23.28%. Further examination of this inorganic waste, comprising of Hard Plastic (3.18%), Ordinary Plastic (10.97%), Paper/Carton (6.84%), Rubber/Fabric (3.65%), and Wood (2.30%), indicated its significant potential as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) fluff. Upon processing, the RDF fluff presented a calorific value of 4,708 Kcal/kg, Moisture of 2.1%, Ash Content of 3.7%, and Volatile Matter of 85.2%. These characteristics make it a potential alternative fuel source for the cement industry. The study concludes that effective waste segregation and processing at TPS 3R Kasih could transform inorganic waste into a valuable energy source, highlighting the significant implications for waste-to-energy strategies and the reduction of dependency on fossil fuels.

The application of biodrying method for organic waste treatment in Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta

Universitas Trisakti has been attributed with many activities and has not been equipped with a proper solid waste management to recover the waste that may contaminate the environment. Biodrying becomes an approach of drying technique utilizing the heat generated by biological activities to degrade the organic waste and also acknowledged to be the proper technique to provide the raw material for Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). This study aims to conduct the process of biodrying technique carried out in an acrylic chamber with the capacity of 18000 cm3. The source of municipal solid waste supplied by the transfer waste facility in the area of Universitas Trisakti. Only organic waste was used during the biodrying process. Aeration rate was 3 l/min. The biodrying process was observed for 8 (eight) days which the activities of microorganisms were identified at the third days, shown by the condensation of the evaporated water released on the top and side walls of the biodrying reactor. Due to this condition, the designed reactor needs further innovation to avoid the condensation of evaporated water to raise the reduction rate of moisture content. This pretreatment study showed the absence of leachate which proves that the biodrying method has the potential to reduce the negative impact of unmanaged solid waste generation.

Purification of syngas from Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) gasification: Techno-economic analysis

Purification of syngas from Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) gasification: Techno-economic analysis

Aspen plus simulation of an inline calciner for white cement production with a fuel mix of petcoke and producer gas

The white cement industry is facing the challenge of alternative fuel utilization replacing conventional fuel due to the impact of alternative fuel ash on the whiteness of clinker. On the other hand, municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal is a huge waste management problem worldwide. The present article focuses on utilizing MSW-based refuse derived fuel (RDF) as an alternative fuel in white cement. The ash-free producer gas derived via RDF gasification is proposed to overcome the challenge of direct RDF utilization. Aspen plus-based producer gas co-processing model for a calciner has been developed, considering 100% petcoke firing as the baseline scenario. The co-processing of producer gas further augmented the model to achieve a 15–20% thermal substitution rate (TSR). The developed model is validated using the actual plant data. The model results at 15% TSR predicted that the calciner outlet temperature will get reduced by 19 °C, with a 5.3% rise in calciner exit gas volume, which is manageable. CO2 mitigation potential at 15% TSR is estimated to be 11.33% of the baseline scenario. The TSR contribution of producer gas sensible heat at 593 °C is 2.7%, whereas the petcoke enters the system at 60 °C with negligible sensible heat.

Life cycle assessment of a micro-region Hungarian municipal solid waste: Evaluation of six waste-to-energy scenarios

Waste-to-energy technologies are key to a sustainable future. The non-recyclable share is often converted to refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for energy utilization to landfill only about 10% of the initial volume. The composition of such fuels may significantly vary; therefore, the currently investigated samples were compared to several others available in the literature and found to be internationally representative. Then six different waste-to-energy scenarios were evaluated, suitable for a Hungarian micro-region: steam turbine, external combustion gas turbine, Organic Rankine Cycle with both direct and indirect fuel use, gas turbine, and internal combustion engine. The first three incinerated RDF, while the last three utilized pyrolysis gas of RDF. The thermal cycle of all six scenarios was evaluated first, followed by their assessment of the energy efficiency factor of the recovery, R1, mandated by the European Parliament and of the Council in Annex II of Directive 2008/98/EC on waste. It was concluded that the R1 threshold of 0.65 was only fulfilled by the gas turbine and the internal combustion engine. Finally, the environmental impact of the systems is addressed via life cycle assessment. The results were normalized and weighted to end up with a single score to facilitate decision-making, which is a novel approach in the field of WtE system assessment. The steam turbine, the gas turbine, and the internal combustion engine were all relatively efficient thermal cycles, resulting in a very similar positive impact with a mean of 321 person equivalent. This measure of the two Organic Rankine Cycle scenarios and the external combustion gas turbine was 639 person equivalent.

Optimization of trommel screen performance in municipal solid waste landfill mining and legacy waste characterization

AbstractThe disposal of solid waste in dumpsites is getting increased in developing countries due to rapid urbanization. Biomining is an innovative idea to recover valuable resources from legacy waste and usable land from old dumpsites. Various mechanical equipments are employed in the biomining process, out of which the trommel screen plays a major role in sieving the legacy waste into different fractions. Optimization of trommel screen performance in the biomining process is carried out in this project. Feasible operating parameters such as the feed rate of the trommel screen 1 (100 mm) and trommel screen 2 (4 mm) and moisture content of legacy waste were optimized in the Rajapalayam biomining site, Tamil Nadu, India. The characteristics of legacy waste in three different biomining sites, namely, Rajapalayam, Srivilliputhur, and Sivakasi, were analyzed. Results indicate that 9 and 2 m3 h–1 feed rates show more separation efficiency for trommel 1 and 2, respectively. Changing the feed rates to the optimized values is also suggested to get better separating efficiency without compromising the purity and recovery of fractions. The recovery of the underflow fraction is maximum at a moisture content of 1.5% and 5.3% for trommel 1 and trommel 2, respectively. The trommel screen gets clogged for higher and lower values of moisture content so that the recovery of the underflow fraction gets affected. The refuse‐derived fuel (RDF) characteristics meet the standard for reuse in cement kilns, and the bioearth characteristics are not suitable to be used as a soil amendment in its original form due to the unavailability of nutrients such as NPK and elevated C/N ratio.