Sampling and characterisation of Municipal Solid Waste for RDF projects

Omnipresent Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is virtually an infinite source of combustible matter which is suitable as raw materials for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) to fire a clinker kiln. In most cases, however, neither the composition of MSW is known, nor the quantity and quality of the potential RDF which can be obtained from an identified waste source. The evaluation of MSW is a key component at the outset of every RDF project, and it features a three-staged manual sorting procedure including sampling of combustible fractions for laboratory analyses. Typically, a sorting campaign lasts for some 4 to 5 days, with approximately up to 40 waste samples being tested for physical composition. Examinations of laboratory samples of combustible components for calorific value and other chemical parameters complements the examination program. The user receives a series of decisive results, such as the yield of RDF, and its potential fuel properties. At the end of the day, the findings enable the user to compute how much fossil fuel can be substituted by the identified tonnage of RDF. Moreover, sound statements can be made about the potential financial benefits of savings on fossil fuel costs. © 2018 Verlag Bau und Technik GmbH. All rights reserved.