Potential Utilization of RDF as an Alternative Fuel for the Cement Industry in Jordan

01.Oct.2019

​The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production from municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in Jordan using a biodrying process for coprocessing in cement kilns in the region. At the end of the biodrying process, the mass of waste was reduced on average by approximately 35% when the dried waste was directed to the landfill without recovery of material. For RDF utilization of the dried waste, the mass of waste to be landfilled was reduced by approximately 69%. The RDF produced was of high calorific value, with low moisture and acceptable chlorine content (0.56-1.20% w/w) compared to the RDF produced in other countries. The quality of the produced RDF did not differ from the RDF quality set by some European countries. Concerning heavy metal concentrations, in all cases, they were lower than the reported ranges from the other countries considered. The biodrying process allowed an increase of about 58% in the waste calorific value (LHV) as a consequence of the waste moisture reduction. The calorific value of the produced RDF ranged from 14.83 to 15.58 MJ/kg, which made it suitable as a fuel. The findings showed that adding 15% RDF, equaling 4.92 tons/h, to the fuel used in cement kilns will save 486 USD/h in petcoke costs, with 2.27 tons/h of CO 2 being emitted into the atmosphere at a net saving of 389 USD/h.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336685483_Potential_Utilization_of_RDF_as_an_Alternative_Fuel_for_the_Cement_Industry_in_Jordan​