Alternative Fuel Generation from Dangerous Solid Waste in a Protected Environmental Area

Abstract

The present investigation project aims to evaluate the extraction of contaminant material from two settling ponds to be used as alternative fuel in two cement plants. The extraction is carried out through mechanical means, and after that extraction, two options are compared: energy recovery and incineration. Through energy recovery, a potentially contaminated area is decontaminated and its waste is used; its high calorific value makes this option a viable one. The waste extraction is carried out through mechanical means due to the high density and viscosity of the waste. Because of these characteristics, the waste undergoes an on-site security adaptation to stabilize it, reduce declivity risk and make it suitable to be handled and moved. The second treatment is carried out in external installations where the final product is obtained (alternative fuel), which is to be used at industrial kilns. The entire described process shows a difference on the consumed energy of 6060.42 kWh/twaste between the two options under study: waste incineration and energy recovery. In addition, it also reduces CO2 emissions on 2.178 tCO2/twaste.

Keywords

• waste to fuel
• solid waste
• settlings pond
• cement plants
• CO₂ emissions