Lab-Scale Study of Temperature and Duration Effects on Carbonized Solid Fuels Properties Produced from Municipal...

Area of Science:

• Waste Management
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Municipal solid waste (MSW) presents a significant disposal challenge.
• Carbonization offers a method for waste valorization into biochar.
• Predictive models are needed to optimize biochar production from diverse waste streams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop regression models for predicting biochar properties from individual and mixed MSW components.
• To validate these models against experimental carbonization data.
• To create a practical tool for assessing MSW carbonization potential.

Main Methods:

• Carbonization of eight main MSW components at 300-500 °C for 20-60 min.
• Building component-specific regression models for biochar properties (proximate and ultimate analysis).
• Developing general models for mixed waste, incorporating temperature, time, and component share, and validating with experimental data.

Main Results:

• Regression models demonstrated good predictive capability for biochar properties (R² > 0.6).
• Biochar mass yield prediction showed excellent accuracy (R² = 0.9).
• Validated models provide reliable estimations for mixed MSW carbonization.

Conclusions:

• The developed models effectively predict biochar properties from various MSW compositions.
• A spreadsheet tool based on these models can guide MSW carbonization strategies.
• This research supports the sustainable management and valorization of municipal solid waste.