Disadvantages of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)

Posted on 28-01-2023 05:46 PM

A lot of people may have heard about the advantages of recycling refuse energy by burning Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), but there are also some major disadvantages. These are discussed below.

Waste-to-energy

Waste-to-energy (WtE) from the conbustion of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) is a form of energy recovery in which waste is converted into heat or electricity.

In the United States and globally, the most common form is incineration. By using incineration, a waste-to-energy plant some sources say that they can transform one ton of municipal solid waste into 550 kilowatt hours of electricity.

Waste-to-energy produces pollutants

However, waste-to-energy produces pollutants that must be removed (scrubbed) from the flu gases. These include acid gasses, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter. These pollutants can contaminate groundwater and soil. They can also damage vegetation.

Waste-to-energy can disincentivize more sustainable practices

Furthermore, waste-to-energy can disincentivize more sustainable practices, such as recycling. As a result, waste-to-energy is not as effective as its proponents would like it to be.

Another issue is that waste-to-energy plants emit air pollutants at higher rates than coal-fired power plants. The particles released from incineration plants, unless very carefully controlled, can cause serious respiratory issues, and they can have a negative impact on wildlife and human settlement.

But, it is also important to note that most waste-to-energy facilities are established through competitive bidding by responsible organisations in waste management. This means that the plants are required to offer electricity at an affordable price, and must ensure that they meet pollution standards.

The risk of harm in those circumstances is low. These facilities are operated to strict requirements to ensure that they do not cause pollution.

Carbon dioxide emission factor

The Carbon dioxide emission factor of refuse derived fuel is one of the key factors to be considered. It is based on the composition of the waste fractions and the non-biogenic carbon content.

The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy recently released the latest emissions data for 2018. This information is based on Inter-Panel Climate Change (IPCC) guidance.

One of the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to use waste as a source of energy. Using waste as a source of energy could lead to a transition to a circular economy.

Plasma torch gasification process

An example of this is the plasma torch gasification process. This has the potential to produce low environmental impact syngas. However, the process requires high temperatures and an intense energy input. For this reason, the project team used a methodology developed by Thailand's Greenhouse Gas Management Organization.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a suitable process for your project. One of these factors is the specific weight of CO2. In a high pressure setting, it can be calculated. Other factors include ash content, moisture, and nitrogen content.

Non-combustibles

Refuse derived fuel is a viable option for producing energy from waste. It is an eco-friendly solution to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. The process involves waste processing, followed by the production of solid fuel from waste.

RDF is produced from the unsorted portion of collected municipal solid waste. In most cases, the waste is ground to a fine particle size. As a result, the combustible fraction is separated from the non-combustible fraction.

Sorting and processing solid waste

A number of companies have developed technologies for sorting and processing solid waste. Pre-sorting machinery and shredding devices are used to reduce the size of the input waste material.

Refuse derived fuel can be combusted in dedicated boilers to produce steam and electricity. It can also be co-fired with other fuels to increase the heating value.

Reducing the amount of waste landfilled

This approach can reduce the amount of waste landfilled and decrease the use of coal.

In developing countries, municipal solid waste is a major problem. These wastes include household, commercial, institutional and industrial wastes.

Using tyres as refuse-derived fuel in the cement industry

Using scrap tires as refuse-derived fuel in the cement industry has been proven effective and environmentally friendly. These fuels may in some situations reduce the amount of sulfur in the air, and result in decreased emissions of carbon dioxide.

The use of scrap tire fuels may have the potential to lower the cost of fuel while achieving higher production rates.

While most combustion systems require tires to be processed to a specific size, some kilns can accept them whole. This makes the acquisition of scrap tires easier and less expensive.

Old tire combustion

Tires have a relatively high calorific value. Their oxygen and carbon contents make them ideal for combustion.

The high temperature required for complete combustion of the tires ensures complete burnout of the organics. Complete burnout also minimizes the formation of Dioxins and Furans.

Cement plant fuel

Several cement plants have reported using scrap tires as supplemental fuel. The most common use of waste tires in the cement industry is in cement kilns.

A study conducted by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) in 1990 showed that using scrap tires in the cement kilns could significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.