Energy and cost analysis model to evaluate the combustion of food processing wastes

Thesis/Dissertation · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5930049

Sargent, S A

Technical and economic factors pertinent to conversion of food processing wastes into recoverable energy were investigated. Combustion characteristics for a variety of wastes were defined, leading to the selection of components for an in-plant waste handling system for use in conjunction with each of three boiler systems representing pile burning, fluidized-bed combustion and suspension-firing technologies. Life cyle costing techniques were chosen to determine the total costs of the handling/combustion systems that would be incurred over a fixed payback period. Energy and cost calculations were incorporated into an interactive computer model for analysis of individual food processing firms. The model prompts the user for input regarding the processing plant schedule, operating and loan parameters, and fossil and waste fuel characteristics. Projected annual savings in fuel and disposal costs are compared with average annual costs to determine the breakeven point for cost-effective investment. The model was validated with conservative parameters representing two sizes of Michigan apple juice processors. Apple pomace was substituted for natural gas and number2 fuel oil.

• OSTI ID: 5930049
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
42 ENGINEERING
420900 -- Engineering-- Waste Processing Plants & Equipment-- (-1989)
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
COST
ENERGY ANALYSIS
ENERGY RECOVERY
FOOD PROCESSING
FUELS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
INVESTMENT
LIFE-CYCLE COST
OXIDATION
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
REFUSE DERIVED FUELS
SOLID WASTES
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WASTE PROCESSING PLANTS
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION
WASTES