Steam gasification for waste valorization with energy recovery

Abstract

Steam gasification seems a promising technology of waste transformation since the steam is the only oxidizing reagent in the process and gaseous carrier of volatiles. Gasses are equilibrated at high temperature for conversion to the H2-rich syngas. After this step, the excess of steam condenses during cooling, together with non-converted tars, oils and fine particles. Condensing steam efficiently absorbs hydrogen bromide and hydrogen chloride. The use of steam eliminates carbonaceous residue from the solid mineral/metal product, which is convenient for further processing (for example extraction of metals). The syngas and the solid residue are generally the only products of gasification, because aqueous condensate may be returned to the process together with non-volatile hydrocarbons and sediments. The process was illustrated by laboratory scale gasification experiments with a) carton packaging, b) abrasive disc, c) pork bones, d) Cu multiwire cable e) PC/AT card and f) inverter (PCB board). The mineral/metal products of gasification may be considered as a raw materials for further processing, including typical routes of metals recovery. There is no direct emission to the atmosphere from the process. However, providing the energy from the syngas back to the reactor as well as the energy balance of steam condensation and recirculation of condensate to the reactor need careful analysis.

Intensity of the Process Gas Emission from the Thermal Treatment of the 60–340 mm MSW Fraction under Steam

“…We tried to present them in a separate paper [34] by giving details of acidic leachability of metals and comparing it with leachability from the ash prepared by incineration with oxygen. Furthermore, we recently discussed thermochemical cycles for some wastes, demonstrating equivalency of the initial and final states of both incineration and steam gasification [35].…”

Analysis of the potential of electro-waste as a source of hydrogen to power low-emission vehicle powertrains

“…Among the most important features of a suitable catalyst we must certainly include its price and availability on the market. Among the catalytic deposits, it is worth mentioning such active substances as dolomite, calcium oxide or iron oxide [18]. As shown in Fig.…”