Environmental Effects of Sewage Sludge Carbonization and Other Treatment Alternatives

Wang, Ning-Yi; Shih, Chun-Hao; Chiueh, Pei-Te; Huang, Ya-Chi

doi:10.3390/en6020871

Cited by 55 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…The use of biological fertilizer in place of synthetic fertilizer improves the energy performance of the system while negatively affecting each of the environmental impacts. Although outside the scope of this study, alternative methods of disposal of sewage sludge such as by landfill or incineration may results in higher emissions than land application (Wang et al 2013).…”

Section: Alternative Fertilizersmentioning

confidence: 96%

Energy requirements and environmental impacts associated with the production of short rotation willow (Salix sp.) chip in Ireland

2013

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Willow Salix sp. is currently cultivated as a short rotation forestry crop in Ireland as a source of biomass to contribute to renewable energy goals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the energy requirements and environmental impacts associated with willow (Salix sp.) cultivation, harvest, and transport using life cycle assessment (LCA). In this study, only emissions from the production of the willow chip are included, end-use emissions from combustion are not considered. In this LCA study, three impact categories are considered; acidification potential, eutrophication potential and global warming potential. In addition, the cumulative energy demand and energy ratio of the system are evaluated. The results identify three key processes in the production chain which contribute most to all impact categories considered; maintenance, harvest and transportation of the crop. Sensitivity analysis on the type of fertilizers used, harvesting technologies and transport distances highlights the effects of these management techniques on overall system performance. Replacement of synthetic fertilizer with biosolids results in a reduction in overall energy demand, but raises acidification potential, eutrophication potential and global warming potential. Rod harvesting compares unfavourably in comparison with direct chip harvesting in each of the impact categories considered due to the additional chipping step required. The results show that dedicated truck transport is preferable to tractor-trailer transport in terms of energy demand and environmental impacts. Finally, willow chip production compares favourably with coal provision in terms of energy ratio and global warming potential, while achieving a higher energy ratio than peat provision but also a higher global warming potential.

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Section: Alternative Fertilizersmentioning

confidence: 96%

Energy requirements and environmental impacts associated with the production of short rotation willow (Salix sp.) chip in Ireland

2013

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“…The performed research indicated that the form of biochar restrained the leaching of heavy metals [32], despite the concentrations being considerable when compared with the restrictions set by the regulations [33]. Wang et al performed an assessment of the environmental effects of the carbonization of sewage sludge and concluded that it may have an overall positive environmental impact in comparison with landfilling and incineration [34].…”

Section: Torrefaction Of Sewage Sludgementioning

confidence: 99%

Torrefaction as a Valorization Method Used Prior to the Gasification of Sewage Sludge

et al. 2019

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The gasification and torrefaction of sewage sludge have the potential to make the thermal utilization of sewage sludge fully sustainable, thus limiting the use of expensive fossil fuels in the process. This includes sustainability in terms of electricity consumption. Although a great deal of work has been performed so far regarding the gasification of sewage sludge and some investigations have been performed in the area of its torrefaction, there is still a gap in terms of the influence of the torrefaction of the sewage sludge on its subsequent gasification. This study presents the results from the torrefaction tests, performed on a pilot scale reactor, as well as two consecutive steam gasification tests, performed in an allothermal fixed bed gasifier, in order to determine if torrefaction can be deemed as a primary method of the reduction of tar content for the producer gas, from the aforementioned gasification process. A comparative analysis is performed based on the results obtained during both tests, with special emphasis on the concentrations of condensable compounds (tars). The obtained results show that the torrefaction of sewage sludge, performed prior to gasification, can indeed have a positive influence on the gas quality. This is beneficial especially in terms of the content of heavy tars with melting points above 40 °C.

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“…Indeed, the so-called city-gas was stored in gazometers which can be found in most of the big cities around Europe and recognized as industrial heritage. Nowadays, minimization of waste production is essential for a more sustainable development of society, but energy harvesting from its flow is the most feasible option to handle the society transition [3] along with the implementation of promising renewable technologies [4,5]. Based on technical and legal regulations waste is classified for treatment or harnessing for energy purposes according to its physical and chemical composition.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy Contribution of OFMSW (Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste) to Energy-Environmental Sustainability in Urban Areas at Small Scale

et al. 2017

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Abstract:Urban waste management is one of the most challenging issues in energy planning of medium and large cities. In addition to the traditional landfill method, many studies are investigating energy harvesting from waste, not as a panacea but as a foreseeable solution. Thermo-chemical conversion to biogas, or even bio-methane under certain conditions, could be an option to address this challenge. This study focuses on municipal solid waste conversion to biogas as a local energy supply for the cities. Three urban models and their subdivision into urban areas were identified along with a typical Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) matrix for each urban area. Then, an energy analysis was carried out to provide an optimization map for an informed choice by urban policy-makers and stakeholders. The results highlighted how the urban context and its use could affect the opportunity to produce energy from waste or to convert it in fuel. So, in this case, sustainability means waste turning from a problem to a renewable resource.

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Environmental Effects of Sewage Sludge Carbonization and Other Treatment Alternatives

Cited by 55 publications

References 18 publications

Energy requirements and environmental impacts associated with the production of short rotation willow (Salix sp.) chip in Ireland

Energy requirements and environmental impacts associated with the production of short rotation willow (Salix sp.) chip in Ireland

Torrefaction as a Valorization Method Used Prior to the Gasification of Sewage Sludge

Energy Contribution of OFMSW (Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste) to Energy-Environmental Sustainability in Urban Areas at Small Scale

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