Effective combustion of waste fuels requires an
understanding of the fuels characteristics. Gaseous and
particulate emissions, ash residues and combustion
properties are of interest to many; those that produce and
sell heating units, utilities interested in using the fuels
for power generation, regulatory agencies, municipalities
needing to solve a disposal problem, and environmentally
conscious people interested in maximum utilization of
resources.
A study was conducted at Oregon State University to
test and evaluate the use of two types of waste: mixed
waste paper (MWP) and refuse derived fuel (RDF). Wood
biomass (ponderosa pine) was used as a benchmark and also
cofired with MWP. Samples collected from the Pacific
Northwest were tested for physical, chemical, combustion,
and emission characteristics.
Raw fuel samples were tested for moisture content and
bulk density. The samples were then shredded and
pelletized. Pelletized fuels were tested for ultimate and
proximate analyses, ash fusion temperature, elemental ash
analysis, higher heating value, moisture content, bulk
density, and pellet durability.
Using an existing biomass combustion facility, the
samples were fired to determine the optimum thermodynamic
conversion combustion condition for each fuel.
Observations were made of physical problems associated with
firing of the samples. Combustion products were
continuously monitored for temperature and composition with
a combustion analyzer. An EPA Method 5 sampling train was
used to determine particulate, heavy metals, chloride,
fluoride, and sulfate emissions. Leachate testing was
performed on the bottom ash residue to determine heavy
metal concentrations.
Waste fuels provided a challenge for combustion study
in a biomass combustion unit. Modifications were required
to alleviate high ash content problems. Observations of
corrosion and clinkers provided another comparison for fuel
evaluation. Comparison of emissions resulting from
different fuel types provided good practical information
for industrial purposes. Observed trends indicated
possible minimization of emissions corresponding to optimum
thermodynamic conversion. Cofiring analysis revealed
possible increases and decreases of heavy metal emissions
for MWP and wood. / Graduation date: 1992
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/36710 |
| Date | 08 May 1992 |
| Creators | Canova, Joseph H. |
| Contributors | Bushnell, Dwight J. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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