Air classification theory and design for municipal solid waste processing

Technical Report · Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6526810· OSTI ID:6526810

Research conducted at Duke University over the past 12 years has led to the development of a promising alternative method for processing municipal solid waste prior to energy production or resource recovery. Pulsed flow air classification is a laboratory-tested method which successfully separates the combustible from the noncombustible components of MSW. IN 1986, Duke subcontracted to EG G Idaho to perform research in this area for the US Department of Energy. This document represent the final report of that effect, and places this research in the context of all air classification research conducted at Duke University. The goal of this final report is to document the history of pulsed flow air classifier theory and design, while emphasizing test results which confirm success with MSW processing. The three objectives are: Summarize the pulsed-flow air classification theory developed at Duke University; Document the equipment, procedures, test protocols, and results from research constructed at Duke University, with a focus on the combinations and classifier heights and feed rates which produce the best achievable separations, as well as a focus on the estimated cost of a complete classification system; Draw conclusions on the relative merits of selected air classifiers. The development of the theory and design of pulsed flow air classification is initially presented and experimental results are summarized. Pulsing and non-pulsing classifiers are discussed, and a complete system is designed and costed.

• Research Organization: USDOE Idaho Field Office, Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Duke Univ., Durham, NC (United States). Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 6526810
• Report Number(s): EGG-EP-10715; ON: DE93011851
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
42 ENGINEERING
MUNICIPAL WASTES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
AIR FLOW
CLASSIFICATION
ENERGY CONSERVATION
FLUID MECHANICS
MATERIALS RECOVERY
PROGRESS REPORT
PULSE TECHNIQUES
PULSES
SORTING
WASTE PROCESSING
DOCUMENT TYPES
FLUID FLOW
GAS FLOW
MANAGEMENT
MECHANICS
PROCESSING
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
320604* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Municipalities & Community Systems- Municipal Waste Management- (1980-)
420200 - Engineering- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques