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Keywords = Biodrying

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13 pages, 4134 KiB  
Article
Use of Biodried Organic Waste as a Soil Amendment: Positive Effects on Germination and Growth of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., var. Buttercrunch) as a Model Crop
by Rosa María Contreras-Cisneros, Fabián Robles-Martínez, Marina Olivia Franco-Hernández and Ana Belem Piña-Guzmán
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2285; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072285 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 305
Abstract
Biodrying and composting are aerobic processes to treat and stabilize organic solid waste, but biodrying involves a shorter process time and does not require the addition of water. The resulting biodried material (BM) is mainly used as an energy source in cement production [...] Read more.
Biodrying and composting are aerobic processes to treat and stabilize organic solid waste, but biodrying involves a shorter process time and does not require the addition of water. The resulting biodried material (BM) is mainly used as an energy source in cement production or in municipal solid waste incineration with energy recovery, but when obtained from agricultural or agroindustrial organic waste, it could also be used as a soil amendment, such as compost (CO). In this study, the phytotoxicity of BM compared to CO, both made from organic wastes (orange peel, mulch and grass), was evaluated on seed germination and growth (for 90 days) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings on treatments prepared from mixtures of BM and soil, soil (100%) and a mixture of CO and soil. The germination index (GI%) was higher for BM extracts (200 g/L) than for CO extracts (68% vs. 53%, respectively). According to their dry weight, lettuce grew more on the CO mixture (16.5 g) than on the BM (5.4–7.4 g), but both materials far exceeded the soil values (0.15 g). The absence of phytotoxicity suggests that BM acts as a soil amendment, improving soil structure and providing nutrients to the soil. Therefore, biodrying is a quick and low-cost bioprocess to obtain a soil improver. Full article
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19 pages, 2012 KiB  
Article
Application of Electrical Resistivity Measurements for Continuous Monitoring of the Municipal Solid Waste Biodrying Process
by Bongkoch Chungam, Hiroyuki Ishimori, Soydoa Vinitnantharat, Sirintornthep Towprayoon, Chart Chiemchaisri and Komsilp Wangyao
Recycling 2025, 10(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10020032 - 24 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 677
Abstract
Waste-to-energy technology has proven effective in reducing the mass and volume of waste, thereby minimizing contamination sources and residual fractions. However, high moisture content in waste significantly reduces the efficiency of energy recovery. Biodrying has shown great potential for moisture reduction through microbial [...] Read more.
Waste-to-energy technology has proven effective in reducing the mass and volume of waste, thereby minimizing contamination sources and residual fractions. However, high moisture content in waste significantly reduces the efficiency of energy recovery. Biodrying has shown great potential for moisture reduction through microbial activity, enhancing the efficiency of waste-to-energy processes. While the lack of proper real-time monitoring methods hinders the optimization of the biodrying processes. This study proposes an efficient method for monitoring the biodrying of municipal solid waste based on real-time electrical resistivity monitoring. During biodrying, resistivity was measured alongside key parameters like temperature, weight, gas emissions from the biodrying process, relative air humidity, moisture, and waste density. The results indicate a good correlation between bulk electrical resistivity (441–614 Ω·m) and temperature increases above ambient within the first 36 h (r2 = 0.97–0.99). Statistical analyses also revealed the correlations of electrical resistivity with waste density (negative correlation, r2 = 0.68–0.97) and gas emissions (moderate to strong, r2 = 0.45–0.72) during different biodrying phases. These findings demonstrate the relationship between electrical resistivity and key biodrying parameters, which can be used for the development of biodrying and to enhance process control efficiency, thus enhancing sustainable waste management efficiency. Full article
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5 pages, 165 KiB  
Editorial
Integrated Waste Management in the Circular Economy Era: Insights from Research and Practice
by Charisios Achillas and Christos Vlachokostas
Energies 2025, 18(3), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030728 - 5 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1180
Abstract
This Special Issue on integrated waste management explores innovative approaches and multifaceted strategies aimed at addressing the critical challenges facing modern waste management systems. The featured eight original research articles cover diverse topics, including sewage sludge valorization, municipal waste biodrying, recyclables collection optimization, [...] Read more.
This Special Issue on integrated waste management explores innovative approaches and multifaceted strategies aimed at addressing the critical challenges facing modern waste management systems. The featured eight original research articles cover diverse topics, including sewage sludge valorization, municipal waste biodrying, recyclables collection optimization, biomass-to-energy policies, and the management of compostable packaging waste. Technological advancements, such as AI-driven waste sorting and route optimization algorithms, are highlighted alongside policy frameworks supporting circular economy principles. The studies also address barriers to implementation, including public awareness gaps, technological disparities, and financial constraints, while emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration across governments, industries, and communities. Additionally, environmental risks associated with waste management practices, such as nanoparticle contamination and leachate emissions from ashes, are critically analyzed. This Special Issue provides a holistic perspective on waste management, combining technical innovations, environmental stewardship, and policy integration. The insights of the works published in this Special Issue aim to guide researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners toward building resilient, sustainable, and resource-efficient waste management systems in alignment with global sustainability goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Waste Management)
16 pages, 2118 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Shifts and Smart Stats: Improving Biodrying in Waste Management
by Luka Traven
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031432 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 981
Abstract
The biodrying process is a well-established method in solid waste management for reducing the moisture content of municipal solid waste (MSW), facilitating its mechanical treatment, enhancing energy recovery efficiency, and simplifying disposal. However, challenges such as variability in drying efficiency, seasonal fluctuations, and [...] Read more.
The biodrying process is a well-established method in solid waste management for reducing the moisture content of municipal solid waste (MSW), facilitating its mechanical treatment, enhancing energy recovery efficiency, and simplifying disposal. However, challenges such as variability in drying efficiency, seasonal fluctuations, and operational inconsistencies limit its optimization and broader applicability. This study undertakes a detailed evaluation of biodrying operations using Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to improve process stability and identify key factors influencing efficiency. Data collected over a one-year period from a waste management facility employing Herhoff Rotteboxes® reveal an average drying efficiency of 28%, with notable seasonal trends showing reduced efficiency during summer and fall. A regression model analyzing waste load, operational parameters, and seasonal effects accounted for 25% of the variability in drying efficiency, suggesting additional factors like waste composition and microbial activity significantly impact the process. This study highlights the value of SPC tools in monitoring process stability and demonstrates how targeted optimization strategies—such as seasonal adjustments and refined loading practices—can enhance biodrying outcomes. By addressing gaps in current practices, these findings contribute to the advancement of waste management technologies and support the development of more efficient and sustainable systems for handling municipal solid waste. Full article
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19 pages, 4560 KiB  
Article
Microbiological and Physicochemical Characterization During Biodrying of Organic Solid Waste
by Carlos Orozco-Álvarez, Aniela Gervacio-Hernández, María de Lourdes Moreno-Rivera, Belem Piña-Guzmán and Fabián Robles-Martínez
Processes 2025, 13(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010078 - 1 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1285
Abstract
The correct management of high-moisture organic waste (HMOW) is crucial to minimize its environmental impact and take advantage of its potential as a valuable resource, thus linking it to the circular economy, sustainable production and recycling. Processes such as anaerobic digestion, composting and, [...] Read more.
The correct management of high-moisture organic waste (HMOW) is crucial to minimize its environmental impact and take advantage of its potential as a valuable resource, thus linking it to the circular economy, sustainable production and recycling. Processes such as anaerobic digestion, composting and, more recently, biodrying have been applied to support the sustainable management of HMOW. However, the latter has not yet been well characterized, so this study focuses on elucidating the behavior of microbial populations and their relationship with physical and chemical conditions during biodrying. In a greenhouse, a semi-static pile with an initial water content of 88%, composed of orange peel waste (80%), sugarcane bagasse (16.5%) and mulch (3.5%) was biodried for 50 days. Biodrying went through three stages: (1) the mesophilic stage, when different microbial populations decompose some organic matter, causing a temperature increase from 25 to 40 °C; (2) the thermophilic stage, in which the highest microbial counts were found, most of which corresponded to the highest temperatures reached and maintained between 40 and 62 °C, and, consequently, to the greatest decrease in water content (from 78 to 41%); and (3) the cooling phase, when the temperature dropped to 23–25 °C. The aeration and mainly the microbial activity were responsible for most of the water evaporation. Microbial activity in biodrying of HMOW ended on day 32, when the humidity was lower than 30% and the water activity (aw) was below 0.8. After that, moisture loss was carried out only by convection and radiation. Obtained biodried organic waste (10% water-content) could be used as an alternative fuel in many industries. Full article
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18 pages, 4284 KiB  
Article
Aeration Optimization for the Biodrying of Market Waste Using Negative Ventilation: A Lysimeter Study
by Ye Nyi Nyi Lwin, Abhisit Bhatsada, Sirintornthep Towprayoon, Suthum Patumsawad, Noppharit Sutthasil and Komsilp Wangyao
Clean Technol. 2024, 6(4), 1519-1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol6040073 - 20 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1713
Abstract
This study investigates the optimization of aeration rates for the biodrying of market waste using negative-pressure ventilation. Market waste, characterized by a high moisture content (MC) and rapid decomposition, presents challenges in waste management. Over 12 days, three aeration rates (ARs) of 0.2, [...] Read more.
This study investigates the optimization of aeration rates for the biodrying of market waste using negative-pressure ventilation. Market waste, characterized by a high moisture content (MC) and rapid decomposition, presents challenges in waste management. Over 12 days, three aeration rates (ARs) of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 m3/kg/day were examined, and the most effective continuous ventilation configuration was identified in terms of heat generation, moisture reduction, and biodrying efficiency. The results indicate that the most effective AR for heat retention and moisture removal was 0.2 m3/kg/day, achieving a 6.63% MC reduction and a 9.12% low heating value (LHV) increase. Gas analysis showed that, while AR 0.2 supported high microbial activity during the initial 7 days, AR 0.6 sustained higher overall CO2 production due to its greater aeration rate. The findings also suggest that the biodrying of market waste with a high initial MC can achieve significant weight loss and leachate generation when paired with a high aeration rate of 0.6 m3/kg/day, with a 69.8% weight loss and increased waste compaction being recorded. The study suggests that variable ARs can optimize biodrying, making market waste more suitable for conversion to refuse-derived fuel or landfill pre-treatment and improving waste-to-energy processes and sustainability. Full article
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17 pages, 3054 KiB  
Article
Development of a System Suitable for an Apartment Complex for the Collective Recovery of Solid Resources from Food Waste: A Study on South Korea
by Yong-Woo Jeon
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5665; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135665 - 2 Jul 2024
Viewed by 2233
Abstract
The installation of food waste disposers has been prohibited in South Korea, due to conflicts with governmental policies that are focused on resource recovery from food waste and concerns about potential damage to the city’s sewer system. However, there is a growing demand [...] Read more.
The installation of food waste disposers has been prohibited in South Korea, due to conflicts with governmental policies that are focused on resource recovery from food waste and concerns about potential damage to the city’s sewer system. However, there is a growing demand for such systems in the country. This study proposes a system for the collective recovery of solid resources from food waste tailored for apartment complexes in South Korea, using an innovative solid–liquid separation technology. In the pilot experiment, 49.60% of the solids fed into the system were recovered as solid matter, confirming its practical applicability. Ultimately, a solid resource collective recovery system suitable for the high-rise apartment residence style of South Korea was developed and applied to an actual apartment complex. The final-stage solids were discharged from the system and processed through bio-drying, subsequently exhibiting a combustible material content of 67.06%, higher heating value (HHV) of 4843 kcal/kg, and lower heating value (LHV) of 3759 kcal/kg; moreover, they have the potential to be repurposed as biomass–solid refuse fuel (bio-SFR), compost, feed, and substrate for biogas production. The proposed food waste disposal system not only aligns with governmental policies, but also facilitates the recovery of high-quality resources from food waste, while providing a sustainable waste management solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Recovery)
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18 pages, 10148 KiB  
Article
Study on the Effect of Thermal Assisted Combined Plant-Based Biomass Conditioning on Dehydrated Sludge Bio-Drying
by He Li, Yujie Luo, Chang Jiang, Yizhuo Wang and Lu Xiang
Processes 2024, 12(5), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050943 - 7 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1272
Abstract
In recent years, the production of municipal sludge has gradually increased, and finding suitable sludge treatment and disposal technologies is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. Bio-drying of sludge is a relatively efficient and convenient drying method, but currently, there are [...] Read more.
In recent years, the production of municipal sludge has gradually increased, and finding suitable sludge treatment and disposal technologies is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. Bio-drying of sludge is a relatively efficient and convenient drying method, but currently, there are still problems with unstable drying effects and high moisture content of dried products, which limits the subsequent utilization of bio-drying products. This article uses a thermal assisted bio-drying device that simulates carbonization waste heat reflux, and uses corncob, straw, sawdust, and rice husk as conditioners to carry out bio-drying of dehydrated sludge. The influence of the types and ratios of conditioner under thermal assistance on the bio-drying of dehydrated sludge is explored. The results showed that the moisture removal efficiency of the corncob and straw groups was better, and their material moisture content could be reduced to below 10% within 24 h. The lower calorific value of straw-sludge drying products was the highest, at 11,608.8 kJ/kg. The best conditioner under the conditions of this experiment was straw, and the drying effect was best when the mass ratio of dehydrated sludge to straw was 4:1. The research results contribute to promoting the development of sludge bio-drying technology. Full article
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14 pages, 4369 KiB  
Article
Polynomial Regression Model Utilization to Determine Potential Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Calories in Indonesia
by Luqman Luqman, Sarifuddin Madenda and Prihandoko Prihandoko
Energies 2023, 16(20), 7200; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16207200 - 22 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2013
Abstract
Waste-to-energy (WTE) is one of the Indonesian government’s programs aiming to meet the target of achieving a new and renewable energy (NRE) mix, as well as one of the solutions proposed to overcome the problem of waste. One of the products of WTE [...] Read more.
Waste-to-energy (WTE) is one of the Indonesian government’s programs aiming to meet the target of achieving a new and renewable energy (NRE) mix, as well as one of the solutions proposed to overcome the problem of waste. One of the products of WTE is energy derived from raw material waste (refuse-derived fuel/RDF). Using the formula y = 0.00003 x5 − 0.0069 x4 + 0.6298 x3 − 24.3245 x2 + 432.8401 x + 55.7448 with R2 = 0.9963, which was obtained by comparing a scatter plot diagram from the RDF calorie test dataset produced through a bio-drying process, the potential RDF calories produced using the waste composition dataset taken from each region in Indonesia can be calculated. The results of the calculations using the determined equations produce a list of provinces with RDF calorie potential, ordered from the largest to the smallest, using which the government can determine which areas are the main priority for processing waste into energy. Thus, through this method, the target of 5.1% renewable energy sourced from waste can be achieved by 2025. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)
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18 pages, 2219 KiB  
Article
Bio-Drying of Municipal Wastewater Sludge: Effects of High Temperature, Low Moisture Content and Volatile Compounds on the Microbial Community
by Vladimir Mironov, Ivan Moldon, Anna Shchelushkina, Vitaly Zhukov and Nataliya Zagustina
Fermentation 2023, 9(6), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9060570 - 16 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2611
Abstract
This study examined microbiological processes during the bio-drying of municipal wastewater sludge (WS) from the waste treatment facilities of the Moscow region (Russia). In just 21 days of bio-drying, the moisture content of the mixture of WS and wood chips decreased by 19.7%. [...] Read more.
This study examined microbiological processes during the bio-drying of municipal wastewater sludge (WS) from the waste treatment facilities of the Moscow region (Russia). In just 21 days of bio-drying, the moisture content of the mixture of WS and wood chips decreased by 19.7%. It was found that members of the genus Bacillus were the main organic matter destructors. In the period from 7 to 14 days, the rates of organic matter mineralization and moisture loss were the highest, and bacteria of the genus Bacillus dominated, accounting for 43.5 to 84.6% of the bacterial community with a total number of 1.20 (±0.09) × 106 to 6.70 (±0.44) × 105 gene copies µg−1. The maximum number of Amaricoccus was (15.7% of the total bacterial community) in the middle of bio-drying. There was an active accumulation of nitrate nitrogen due to the oxidation of nitrogen-containing substances during the same period of time. Bacteria of the genera Sphingobacterium, Brevundimonas, Brucella, Achromobacter and fungi of the genus Fusarium dominated in the biofilter, which removed volatile compounds from the waste air by 90%. The obtained results allow to model the further intensification of bio-drying, as well as its efficiency and safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights on Sludge Fermentation)
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18 pages, 4672 KiB  
Article
Effect of Bulking Agents on Dewatered Sludge Biodrying Followed by Thermal Drying
by Zhengjie Hu, Zongdi Hao, Huan Lei, Yibin Guo, Qi Chen, Wenqi Zhang and Pinhua Rao
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051392 - 4 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2066
Abstract
As an exogenous substance, bulking agent plays a considerable role in dewatered sludge (DS) biodrying by affecting the organics degradation and water migration. Meanwhile, biodried product needs to be further dried because its final moisture content (MC) is usually too high for direct [...] Read more.
As an exogenous substance, bulking agent plays a considerable role in dewatered sludge (DS) biodrying by affecting the organics degradation and water migration. Meanwhile, biodried product needs to be further dried because its final moisture content (MC) is usually too high for direct incineration. In this study, the influence of adding different bulking agents on organics decomposition and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) release during DS biodrying, and thermal drying characteristics of the biodrying mixtures was investigated. Results showed that spent coffee ground (SCG), corncob (CC) and wheat husk (WH) improved water removal ratios of DS biodrying. SCG contributed various types of organic matter to the biodrying matrix, thus attaining the longest high-temperature period (4.5 days). Meanwhile, SCG contributed lipids, which have high calorific value, to the biodrying pile, leading to the highest biodrying index (3.70) among all treatments. SCG, CC and WH also accelerated EPS delamination, which was beneficial for microbial activity and bound water release. Besides, the biodried product with SCG was endowed with the highest C content and calorific value. Furthermore, bulking agents improved the thermal-drying rates of the feedstocks, and intensified the positive impacts of biodrying on the thermal-drying characteristics of the mixtures. In particular, the biodried product with SCG had a high drying rate even with low residual water content in the mixture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste and Resource Recycling)
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19 pages, 3421 KiB  
Article
Modification of the Aeration-Supplied Configuration in the Biodrying Process for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Production
by Abhisit Bhatsada, Suthum Patumsawad, Sirintornthep Towprayoon, Chart Chiemchaisri, Awassada Phongphiphat and Komsilp Wangyao
Energies 2023, 16(7), 3235; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073235 - 4 Apr 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2727
Abstract
Biodrying is an essential part of the mechanical–biological treatment process that minimizes moisture content and simultaneously maximizes heating value for refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production. Although the mechanical separation process operates effectively in Thailand’s RDF production, high organic content levels and their degradation cause [...] Read more.
Biodrying is an essential part of the mechanical–biological treatment process that minimizes moisture content and simultaneously maximizes heating value for refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production. Although the mechanical separation process operates effectively in Thailand’s RDF production, high organic content levels and their degradation cause moisture contamination in RDF, producing wet RDF. Aeration is essential for an effective biodrying process, and can reduce RDF’s moisture content as well as increase its heating value. To maximize the biodrying effect, aeration should be optimized based on the waste conditions. This study proposes a modified aeration-supplied configuration for wet RDF biodrying. The aeration rate was modified based on the period within the biodrying operation; the first period is from the beginning until day 2.5, and the second period is from day 2.5 to day 5. The optimal aeration supply configuration was 0.5 m3/kg/day in the first period and then 0.3 m3/kg/day until the end of the process; this configuration yielded the greatest moisture content decrease of 35% and increased the low heating value of the biodried product by 11%. The final moisture content and low heating value were 24.07% and 4787 kcal/kg, respectively. Therefore, this optimal aeration-supplied configuration could be applied to meet the moisture content and low heating value requirements of the RDF production standard for Thailand’s local cement industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials and Energy in Negative and Neutral Carbon Society)
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18 pages, 3978 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Wastewater from Municipal Waste Bio-Drying and Its Impact on Aquatic Environment—Long-Term Research on a Technical Scale
by Sławomir Kasiński, Marcin Dębowski, Gabriela Tylus and Marcin Rudnicki
Energies 2022, 15(24), 9467; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15249467 - 14 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2049
Abstract
The implementation of appropriate solutions for municipal waste management is still a significant challenge for the operators of technological facilities. Although there are many separate collection procedures and waste neutralisation systems available, it is still necessary to search for new economically and technologically [...] Read more.
The implementation of appropriate solutions for municipal waste management is still a significant challenge for the operators of technological facilities. Although there are many separate collection procedures and waste neutralisation systems available, it is still necessary to search for new economically and technologically justified solutions. The priority is environmental care and circular economy compliance. An important aspect is recycling and energy recovery from waste as an alternative fuel. Preparation of municipal waste for energy production requires many preliminary unit processes, and one of the most important factors is drying. It should be emphasised that environmental impact assessment is an indispensable aspect of waste management. The aim of long-term research was to determine the effect of bio-drying of municipal waste on the characteristics of technological and precipitation wastewater and its impact on the quality of the aquatic environment. An investigation was carried out between 2015–2021 on a large-scale installation for 200,000 residents. It was proven that during the wastewater treatment plant operation, the concentration of N-NH4 was exceeded. The concentrations of other pollution indicators corresponded to the normative values. The quality of groundwater also deteriorated. A comparative analysis of municipal waste drying methods showed that the bio-drying process has a significantly lower impact on the natural environment than the methods that are lower in the municipal waste management hierarchy. Full article
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28 pages, 9425 KiB  
Article
Finite Difference Modeling of the Temperature Profile during the Biodrying of Organic Solid Waste
by Carlos Orozco-Álvarez, Javier Díaz-Megchún, Anselmo Osorio-Mirón, Sergio García-Salas, Enrique Hernández-Sánchez, Gisela Palma-Orozco and Fabián Robles-Martínez
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14705; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214705 - 8 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2250
Abstract
Biodrying is a complex process that is very useful in the treatment of solid waste, where variables, such as temperature, thermal conductivity and the moisture content of organic matter, oxygen concentration in the pore space of the waste mass, microbial heat generation, microbial [...] Read more.
Biodrying is a complex process that is very useful in the treatment of solid waste, where variables, such as temperature, thermal conductivity and the moisture content of organic matter, oxygen concentration in the pore space of the waste mass, microbial heat generation, microbial biomass, among others, are involved. Given this complexity, the development of mathematical models that help us to understand this bioprocess is fundamental. In the present work, a mathematical model, based on the finite difference method, was developed to predict the temperature profile at nine recording points, in an organic solid waste pile, during the biodrying process. The bioprocess was carried out under natural convection and solar radiation conditions, inside a greenhouse-type structure. A network of 53 nodes, distributed in the x, y and z directions, on a rectangular prism, was developed. From this network, 27 base nodes were taken and the energy balance was developed for each node, and with this, the equation was obtained, in explicit form, to calculate the temperature. In these base equations, the microbial heat generation was considered, at between 2 and 140 W/m3; the convective coefficient was between 1 and 5 W/m2 °C; and the daily records were taken inside the greenhouse for the solar radiation (0 to 450 W/m2), temperature (15 to 50 °C) and RH% (70 to 30). The modeled temperature profiles of the center (C) and the midpoints of the pile were, on average, 91% close to the experimental values, during the period from 0 to 20 days of biodrying; 70% close, during the period from day 21 to 35, the period when the modeled values were lower, due to the turning of the pile; and 94% close to the experimental values from day 36 to 50, when the modeled values were higher, also due to turning. The modeled temperature profiles of the left, right, upper and lower surfaces were, on average 92% close to the experimental profiles over the 0–35 day period, and the modeled and experimental values were practically identical from day 36 to 50 of the biodrying process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management: An International Outlook)
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9 pages, 1481 KiB  
Article
The Biological Drying of Municipal Waste in an Industrial Reactor—A Case Study
by Jolanta Latosińska, Maria Żygadło and Marlena Dębicka
Energies 2022, 15(3), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15031039 - 30 Jan 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3897
Abstract
One of the methods of municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment is biodrying. The literature describes mainly the results obtained in a laboratory- and a pilot-scale reactor. The manuscript presents the results of MSW treatment in a full-scale bio-drying reactor (150 m3). [...] Read more.
One of the methods of municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment is biodrying. The literature describes mainly the results obtained in a laboratory- and a pilot-scale reactor. The manuscript presents the results of MSW treatment in a full-scale bio-drying reactor (150 m3). The reactor is operated in one of the Polish installations specializing in mechanical-biological treatment (MBT). During the 14 day period of biodrying in the reactor, the parameters of MSW such as the moisture, temperature, loss on ignition (LOI), and net heating value (NHV) were examined. The temperature of the air in the reactor was also examined. The research also included changes in the above-mentioned parameters of MSW located in three parts of the reactor: the front, middle, and back. The test results showed that the moisture content of the waste decreased from the initial level of 55% to the level of 30%. This was accompanied by an increase in the NHV from 6.3 MJ kg−1 to 9.6 MJ kg−1. At the same time, the LOI decreased from 68% d.m. to 45% d.m. The LOI decrease is not favorable from the point of view of using MSW as refuse-derived fuel (RDF), as was expected in the final usage stage. The results have application value as the plant operator, having at their disposal the controlling of the reactor’s ventilation and the temperature inside the reactor, should select the speed of the moisture removal from MSW at such a level as to minimize the LOI decrease. Full article
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