Municipal solid waste processing and separation employing wet torrefaction for alternative fuel production and aluminum reclamation. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mu'min, Gea Fardias; Prawisudha, Pandji; Zaini, Ilman Nuran; Aziz, Muhammad; Pasek, Ari Darmawan
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 67(2017)
• Page Start: 106
• Page End: 120
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Alternative fuel production -- Laminated aluminum delamination -- Municipal solid waste -- Plastic-organic separation -- Wet torrefaction; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.05.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: The MSW treatment and separation based on wet torrefaction process are proposed. The organic and plastic fraction of MSW can be separated at a low temperature. The process can detach the aluminum and plastics layer of laminated aluminum waste. The addition of acid in the wet torrefaction process enhances aluminum yields. The calorific values of the both organic and plastics products are increased. Abstract: This study employs wet torrefaction process (also known as hydrothermal) at low temperature. This process simultaneously acts as waste processing and separation of mixed waste, for subsequent utilization as an alternative fuel. The process is also applied for the delamination and separation of non-recyclable laminated aluminum waste into separable aluminum and plastic. A 2.5-L reactor was used to examine the wet torrefaction process at temperatures below 200 °C. It was observed that the processed mixed waste was converted into two different products: a mushy organic part and a bulky plastic part. Using mechanical separation, the two products can be separated into a granular organic product and a plastic bulk for further treatment. TGA analysis showed that no changes in the plastic composition and no intrusion from plastic fraction to the organic fraction. It can be proclaimed that both fractions have been completely separated by wet torrefaction. The separated plastic fraction product obtained from the wet torrefaction treatment also contained relatively high calorific value (approximately 44 MJ/kg), therefore, justifying its use as an alternative fuel. The non-recyclable plastic fraction of laminated aluminum was observed to be delaminated and separated from its aluminum counterpart at a temperature of 170 °C using an additional acetic acid concentration of 3%, leaving less than 25% of the plastic content in the aluminum part. Plastic products from both samples had high calorific values of more than 30 MJ/kg, which is sufficient to be converted and used as a fuel.