Multiphase analysis of hydrochars obtained by anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste organic fraction

Aneta Magdziarz, Agata Mlonka-Mędrala, Małgorzata Sieradzka, Christian Aragon-Briceño, Artur Pożarlik, Eddy A. Bramer, Gerrit Brem, Łukasz Niedzwiecki and Halina Pawlak-Kruczek

Renewable Energy, 2021, vol. 175, issue C, 108-118

Abstract: Digestate is a nutrient-rich substance produced by anaerobic digestion that contains organic, inorganic, and biological matter. The European Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) provides regulations regarding the wider implementation of the digestate. Owing to a significant amount of organic matter in the digestate, it can be utilised as a solid biofuel, soil amendment substance, or substrate for activated carbon production. However, the solid by-products of the anaerobic digestion of the municipal solid waste wet fraction cannot be used for such applications because it is still considered a waste. Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) was investigated as a pre-treatment method for the digestate obtained by anaerobic digestion of the municipal solid waste wet fraction. HTC was carried out at temperatures of 180, 200 and 230 °C and residence times of 30, 60 and 120 min. The value of pressure was determined based on water temperature and partial pressure of the gaseous by-products. The HTC process resulted in changes in the physical and chemical properties of the hydrochars compared to those of the raw materials. A temperature of 200 °C and residence time of 60 min during HTC were optimal for energy consumption; this hydrochar exhibited the best combustion parameters and physical properties (specific surface area).

Keywords: Digestate; Hydrothermal carbonisation; Hydrochar; Porosity; SEM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:175:y:2021:i:c:p:108-118

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.05.018

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