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Refuse-derived fuel classification in a mechanical–biological treatment plant and its valorization with techno–economic criteria
Vounatsos, P.; Agraniotis, M.; Grammelis, P.; Kakaras, E.; Skiadi, O. & Zarmpoutis, T.
Abstract
Refuse–derived fuels (RDF) are a category of
alternative fuels produced as byproducts from the process
of waste management plants. RDF can be utilized for heat
and power production, contributing to the waste hierarchy
set by European Union. However, the need for standardization
of RDF becomes gradually important in South-Eastern Europe, where the market for waste recovered fuels
is under development. The application of certification and
quality management schemes in the waste treatment and
fuel production processes, along with the use of a new
terminology, solid recovered fuels may enhance public
acceptance and promote the thermal utilization of this
resource in industrial facilities. In the present work, a
sampling and analysis campaign of RDF produced at a
mechanical and biological treatment facility in Athens,
Greece, took place. The sampling and analysis were carried
out according to the standards of CEN/TC 343. The sampling
period lasted 1 year, resulting in 20 samples. Proximate,
ultimate analysis, chlorine and heavy metals’ content
were carried out. Furthermore, a technical and economic
assessment was carried out, in order to propose realistic
solutions for the improvement of the produced RDF quality
and the plants’ viability. Two sets of scenarios are assessed
with techno-economic criteria referring to different technical
solutions. At the end of the study, a step-by-step
approach is proposed, which may guarantee the economic
feasibility of the proposed plant retrofitting project and a
pay-back period adjusted to the extent of the retrofitting
measures to be decided.
Keywords
Secondary fuels; ''EMA plant; Chemical analyses; Characterization; Feasibility study
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