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A new model to predict diffusive self-heating during composting incorporating the reaction engineering approach (REA)
Aditya Putranto1, Xiao Dong Chen2
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK; School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Material Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
A new model accurately predicts composting temperatures, preventing toxic gas release and spontaneous combustion. This simulation tool helps optimize industrial composting conditions for safer operations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Composting generates heat from exothermic reactions, potentially causing self-heating.
- Elevated temperatures can lead to toxic gas emissions and spontaneous combustion.
- Predicting maximum composting temperatures is crucial for process control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new model for predicting temperature, oxygen, moisture, and water vapor profiles during composting.
- To quantitatively describe local evaporation/condensation rates using the reaction engineering approach (REA).
- To provide a reliable simulation tool for optimizing industrial composting.
Main Methods:
- Developed a model based on conservation equations for heat and mass transfer.
- Incorporated a biological heating term and the REA framework.
- Validated the model against experimental data for sewage sludge composting.
Main Results:
- The model accurately predicted temperature profiles during composting.
- Maximum temperatures were reached around 4-6 weeks, followed by a decrease due to evaporative cooling.
- Spatial profiles showed maximum temperatures in the middle-bottom of compost piles, with decreased moisture near the surface.
Conclusions:
- The proposed model is a reliable tool for simulating composting processes.
- It can be used to explore configurations and conditions to avoid excessive temperature build-up.
- This aids in preventing undesirable outcomes like toxic emissions and self-heating in industrial composting.
