Devolatilization as an alternative for energy valorization of bio-medical waste: kinetic study

Abstract

Thermogravimetric analysis has established kinetics for the devolatilization of bio sanitary waste as possible sources for alternative fuels. In this study, the thermal degradation of materials was carried out at different heating rates: 5, 15, 30 °C/min with dynamic ramps and isothermal periods in the thermogravimetric analyzer. The data from the mass loss at different times and temperatures, the conversion of the thermal decomposition reaction was calculated, this value was used in three mathematical models that will predict the kinetic parameters such as activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and order of the reaction. A better fit model is proposed by minimizing the error between the calculated thermal degradation rate and the experimental one. It is concluded that the best kinetic model for contaminated clothes and gloves considered the Arrhenius equation and reaction order two and includes reference temperatures of 450 and 367 °C for each material. The activation energy values for contaminated gowns and gloves are 553.62 and 154.06 kJ/mol, respectively. It is established that by achieving a conversion of 0.98 in the thermal degradation of these materials, they can be converted into the material of interest as alternative fuels.

Masks thermal degradation as an alternative of waste valorization on the COVID-19 pandemic: A kinetic study

“…One of these measures was the mandatory use of face masks regarded as personal protective equipment (PPE) and made of specific materials to prevent the absorption of spit drops. However, once these face masks are worn, they generate a large amount of plastic waste [ 1 ], like personal safety equipment such as gowns, gloves, and face shields [ 2 ].…”

Thermo-Kinetics of Chemical Recycling of Real-World Waste Plastics

“…However, once these PPE equipment (like face masks, gowns, and face shields) are used, they become a significant and potential contributor to the plastic waste generation. 6,7 Typically, the municipal plastic waste possesses an average calorific value of 39.87 MJ kg −1 , which is equivalent to 80−90% of energy content of diesel fuel (i.e., 45.30 MJ kg −1 ). 8 Therefore, waste plastics can be viewed as a potential energy source.…”

“…Moreover, since the COVID-19 outbreak, the demand for a personal protective equipment (PPE) kit has exponentially augmented. However, once these PPE equipment (like face masks, gowns, and face shields) are used, they become a significant and potential contributor to the plastic waste generation. , …”

Valorización de residuos sólidos generados en las municipalidades locales: Revisión sistemática

“…Asimismo, Albán-Meléndez et al (2022) determinaron que es importante obtener un relleno sanitario de tamaño adecuado, con una superficie de al menos 2,88 hectáreas y que se debe construir un sitio de almacenamiento de residuos en esta área. Por su parte, Cayancela et al (2022) Se ha planteado que el modelo cinético óptimo para la descomposición de residuos biomédicos corresponde a un modelo de reacción segundo orden, especialmente a temperaturas comprendidas entre 367 y 450 °C. Los valores de energía requeridos para la prevención y aquellos relacionados con los materiales contaminantes se sitúan en un rango de 553,62 a 154,06 kJ/mol, respectivamente.…”