Municipal Solid Waste & RDF

Waste in this instance defines any combustible, non-hazardous material resulting from the output of household and industrial processes. This waste material ranges from construction waste to biosolids from sewage and has multiple chemical and physical properties which may require different technologies. DP offers several types of combustion and gasification technologies that provide the best solution.

Type of Municipal Solid Waste & RDF

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is typically domestic waste from residential homes, institutions, small businesses and the like. It is typically known as ‘non-hazardous’ waste and can consist of organic (biodegradable) and non-biodegradable materials. Some of the waste may also be recyclable. It differs from ‘hazardous’ industrial wastes and other toxic categories.
RDF is basically MSW that has been sorted and subjected to basic processing treatment. MSW is shredded and dehydrated to produce Refuse Derived fuel (RDF) or Solid/Specified Recovered Fuel (SRF). RDF consists largely of combustible components of municipal waste (non-hazardous) such as plastics and biodegradable waste. As such, RDF has more consistent combustion characteristics than unsorted MSW.
SRF or ‘solid recovered fuel’ is waste derived fuel that meet a tighter quality specification. Combustion and handling of more homogeneous RDF and SRF are somewhat easier than unsorted MSW.

Typical characteristics

There is significant variety in MSW characteristics depending on geographical location, season, and many other factors. Unsorted MSW will contain many varying materials of different composition, particle size; combustibility and moisture content. It is the more typical type of fuel to be found in emerging countries.
RDF and SRF fuels are becoming more prevalent as a feedstock and production is maturing. RDF/SRF composition is subject to categorization, but the categorisations are not globally consistent or universally applied.
The chemical properties of MSW and RDF are very important in evaluating the alternative processing and recovery options and are measured in the following dimensions: proximate analysis, fusing point of ash, ultimate analysis (major elements), energy content.

Implications

Different methods of incineration are available for MSW and RDF fuel types. Many technologies exist but proper handling and combustion is critical to optimising energy output, whilst the control of flue gas emissions helps to ensure environmental credentials. In particular, untreated MSW which is subject to improper incineration and emissions control is very environmentally damaging.

The variety and differences in MSW and RDF composition and thermal degradation behaviour means that modelling, design and operation of thermal conversion systems requires expertise and experience. The formation and composition of the fly ash and emissions are a direct result of the input feedstock and must be properly understood to determine the correct process for conversion. DP’s technologies are proven for RDF feedstocks, and DP’s experienced experts can determine the most efficient, economically and environmentally viable methods and technologies for conversion.

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Sustainability

At DP CleanTech (DP), our goal is to create a cleaner, more sustainable future by transforming waste into renewable energy and advancing innovative solutions for a circular economy. Our mission is ‘Creating Value from Waste’, and as a global provider of waste-to-energy solutions for heat, power and liquid fuels, our core business revolves around making measurable positive contributions to the circular economy, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and delivering sustainable value to our partners, employees, and society.

Municipal Solid Waste & RDF