Two stage fluid bed-plasma gasification process for solid waste valorisation: Technical review and preliminary thermodynamic modelling of sulphur emissions

• Published in: Waste management (Elmsford) 2012-04, Vol.32 (4), p.676-684
• Main Authors: Morrin, Shane, Lettieri, Paola, Chapman, Chris, Mazzei, Luca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Conservation of Natural Resources; DOCUMENT TYPES; ELEMENTS; EMISSION; Environmental Pollutants - chemistry; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; Exact sciences and technology; Fluidised; FLUIDIZED BEDS; GASIFICATION; Hot Temperature; KNOWLEDGE BASE; MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES, AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES; MATHEMATICAL MODELS; Models, Chemical; NONMETALS; Other wastes and particular components of wastes; PARTICLE MODELS; PLASMA; Plasma Gases - chemistry; POLLUTANTS; Pollution; Refuse Disposal; REVIEWS; SIMULATION; SOLID WASTES; STATISTICAL MODELS; SULFUR; Sulfur - chemistry; Sulphur; THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES; THERMODYNAMIC MODEL; Thermodynamics; Urban and domestic wastes; Waste; WASTES
• ISSN: 0956-053X; 1879-2456
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2011.08.020

► We investigate sulphur during MSW gasification within a fluid bed-plasma process. ► We review the literature on the feed, sulphur and process principles therein. ► The need for research in this area was identified. ► We perform thermodynamic modelling of the fluid bed stage. ► Initial findings indicate the prominence of solid phase sulphur. Gasification of solid waste for energy has significant potential given an abundant feed supply and strong policy drivers. Nonetheless, significant ambiguities in the knowledge base are apparent. Consequently this study investigates sulphur mechanisms within a novel two stage fluid bed-plasma gasification process. This paper includes a detailed review of gasification and plasma fundamentals in relation to the specific process, along with insight on MSW based feedstock properties and sulphur pollutant therein. As a first step to understanding sulphur partitioning and speciation within the process, thermodynamic modelling of the fluid bed stage has been performed. Preliminary findings, supported by plant experience, indicate the prominence of solid phase sulphur species (as opposed to H2S) – Na and K based species in particular. Work is underway to further investigate and validate this.