Adaptation of the Simplex gasification process to the co-conversion of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge

Technical Report · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6180918

Arbo, J C; Glaser, D P; Lipowicz, M A; Schulz, R B; Spencer, J L

This report presents the findings and recommendations of a research investigation designed to adapt the Simplex coal and biomass gasification process to the codisposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) and dewatered sewage sludge (DSS). The rationale of the Phase I study was to delimit and optimize briquette formulation parameters and to set experimental targets for the Phase II process optimization study that will lead directly to the pilot plant demonstration of the Simplex S process in large scale Simplex gasifier facilities. The Phase I program attained its experimental objectives in that it identified a practical range of briquette formulation parameters that permit the production of sturdy briquettes while incorporating fractions of DSS along with MSW and coal. These preferred formulations, which were developed after testing 225 experimental compositions, retain their structural integrity in all zones of the gasifier, do not cake or agglomerate in the pyrolysis and coking zone, and can stand prolonged storage without fungal growth. The operable ratio of coal to waste is from 1:1 to 2:1. The acceptable moisture content in the finished briquette ranges from 12 to 19%. Sound briquettes were produced from DSS containing 20% solids, provided the ratio of RDF (refuse-derived fuel) to DSS is above 8. When employing DSS with a solids content of 40%, the ratio of RDF to DSS may be as low as 4.The critical determinant is the moisture content in the pressed briquette which must be attained without expressing excess water. Recommendations are provided for the Phase II process optimization study that has for its principal goal the production of sturdy, non-caking sludge-freighted briquettes on commercial briquette fabrication equipment.

• Research Organization: Dynecology, Inc., Harrison, NY (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6180918
• Report Number(s): NYSERDA-81-6; ON: DE81904186
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320604* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Municipalities & Community Systems-- Municipal Waste Management-- (1980-)
BIOMASS
BRIQUETS
BRIQUETTING
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAL
CONVERSION
DECOMPOSITION
ENERGY SOURCES
FABRICATION
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GASIFICATION
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MOLDING
MUNICIPAL WASTES
PYROLYSIS
RECOMMENDATIONS
REFUSE DERIVED FUELS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SEWAGE
SEWAGE SLUDGE
SIMPLEX PROCESS
SOLID FUELS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TESTING
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES