Paper details

Title:

Co-combustion of Residual Forest Biomass and Sludge in a Pilot-scale Bubbling Fluidized Bed

Author(s):

Pio, D.T., Tarelho, L.A.C., Nunes, T.F.V., Baptista, M.F., Matos, M.A.A.

Document(s):

Abstract:

In this work, the co-combustion of residual forest biomass (RFB) from eucalyptus and its blend with different amounts of primary and secondary sludge from the pulp and paper industry was studied in a pilot-scale bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) reactor. The main objective was the determination of sludge addition influence on the overall process and on the composition of the exhaust gases, with emphasis on chlorine (Cl) emissions, namely present in the solid phase (fly ashes) and in the gaseous phase (HCl), and NOx emissions. The co-combustion process of residual forest biomass with primary sludge (up to 5%wt) and secondary sludge (up to 10%wt) was successfully demonstrated as a valid energy valorization option. Except specific cases, no significant emissions increase of NOx or HCl were found with the addition of sludge. In fact, HCl emissions decreased, potentially due to an increase in the chlorine retention in ashes caused by the high inorganic content present in the sludge. This high inorganic content can also lead to a significant increase in ash production during the combustion process. Thus, consequently, without proper maintenance, significant ash accumulation along the combustion system may occur, which can decrease the process efficiency and cause equipment damage.

Keywords:

alternative fuel, biomass, co-combustion, sewage sludge, bubbling fluidized bed, chlorine emissions

Topic:

Biomass Conversion Technologies for Heating, Cooling and Electricity

Subtopic:

Biomass combustion in large utilities

Event:

27th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

2AO.8.2

Pages:

470 - 478

ISBN:

978-88-89407-19-6

Paper DOI:

10.5071/27thEUBCE2019-2AO.8.2

Price:

FREE