Combustion of a Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) Produced from the Polymeric Fraction of Automotive Shredder Residue (ASR)

Abstract

The use of alternative fuels derived from residues in energy-intensive industries that rely on fossil fuels can cause considerable energy cost savings, but also significant environmental benefits by conserving non-renewable resources and reducing waste disposal. However, the switching from conventional to alternative fuels is challenging for industries, which require a sound understanding of the properties and combustion characteristics of the alternative fuel, in order to adequately adapt their industrial processes and equipment for its utilization. In this work, a solid recovered fuel (SRF) obtained from the polymeric fraction of an automotive shredder residue is tested for use as an alternative fuel for scrap preheating in an aluminium refinery. The material and chemical composition of the SRF has been extensively characterized using proximate and ultimate analyses, calorific values and thermal degradation studies. Considering the calorific value and the chlorine and mercury contents measured, the SRF can be designated as class code NCV 1; Cl 2; Hg 2 (EN ISO 21640:2021). The combustion of the SRF was studied in a laboratory-scale pilot plant, where the effects of temperature, flow, and an oxidizer were determined. The ash remaining after combustion, the collected liquid, and the generated gas phase were analysed in each test. It was observed that increasing the residence time of the gas at a high temperature allowed for a better combustion of the SRF. The oxidizer type was important for increasing the total combustion of the vapour compounds generated during the oxidation of the SRF and for avoiding uncontrolled combustion.

Proposal for Implementation of Extraction Mechanism of Raw Materials during Landfill Mining and Its Application in Alternative Fuel Production

“…The data obtained indicate that separating the fine fraction through double sieving significantly improves the characteristics of the obtained SRF. According to data [47,48], fuels are hydrocarbons comprised primarily of the following elements: carbon and hydrogen and some sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen and mineral matter in the next interval, with the C content from 20 to 70 wt.%, H from 3 to 8 wt.% and N from 1 to 5 wt.%. As seen in Figure 8, the SRF is a favorable combination of the C, H and N content for combustion.…”

Valorization of Biomass and Industrial Wastes as Alternative Fuels for Sustainable Cement Production

“…It is estimated that ELVs generate approximately 50 million tons of waste annually [20]. The ASR has been studied for both its inorganic components, which act as aggregates, and the combustion of its organic components [21,22]. However, neither wind blades waste nor automotive shredder residue have been studied as alternative fuels in the cement industry.…”