Thermoselect High Temperature Gasification (3)
Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Feedstock and Thermoselect Gasification Benerfits and Possibilities

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF)

Mechanical-biological treatment plants produce about 20%-40% of RDF from their input. Due to its high calorific value and therefore high carbon content, landfilling of RDF is no longer allowed in Germany as of 2005 according to TASi (Technische Anleitung Siedlungsabfall) regulation. In the other EU countries, similar regulations are expected to come into force as a result of Directive 1999/3 I/EG.

Thermoselect has successfully processed RDF. In a trial at the Karlsruhe plant, nearly 200 tonnes of RDF (excluding any MSW) was fed to the gasifiers during one continuous production. A very rich syngas of high calorific value was produced, yielding approximately 65% higher thermal output from the gasifiers as compared with MSW operation. The plant processed this high-calorific material without any problems, and emissions remained at the same low level as during the processing of MSW.

Benefits and future possibilities

This high-temperature gasification process has now been scaled up successfully to full commercial scale: because it allows the combined processing of industrial wastes and MSW in a single plant, it is proving to be commercially competitive with other thermal treatment methods. Furthermore, the technology is entitled to public sector support programmes in some countries. For example, it qualifies as renewable energy for the UK's Renewable Obligation Certificates, and Italy's 'Certificati Verdi' scheme.

Conclusion

Integrating a Thermoselect  plant into a chemical facility, which uses the resulting syngas as an important feedstock, is economically even more interesting. Selling syngas to a chemical plant yields higher income than using it for producing electricity for the grid.

In addition, the equipment needed for syngas export - a compressor alone - is much simpler than that for electricity production. This saves on investment and capital costs (when power is needed at the plant, it will be imported). Therefore, integrating a gasification plant into a chemical facility is even more economically advantageous. In this case, the plant does not only fulfil the requirements of a recycling plant, but also can offer a significant increase in profits.

According to large-scale plant tests, RDF and ASR have no negative effects on air emissions nor on granulate quality - showing that the process has potential for recycling these types of residues as well.

About Thermoselect

THERMOSELECT was founded in 1989 with its headquarters in Switzerland and branch offices in Italy, Germany and other countries. The company mainly engages in wastes treatment.

THERMOSELECT is a patented process that recovers a synthesis gas, minerals, metals and sulphur from all types of waste. This is done by means of high temperature gasification of the organic waste and fusion of the inorganic components.

by (See Introduction page) - February 2009

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