STTR Phase I: Waste Torrefaction Technology

这一小型技术转让研究（STTR）第一阶段项目的更广泛影响是通过将废物转化为清洁和可再生资源来解决可持续性问题。垃圾焚烧已经实施了一段时间，并带来了操作困难和高排放。拟议项目推进了一项将废物转化为固体燃料的技术。该项目提出了一种用于工业用途的烘焙解决方案。经烘焙的废物的危险成分（氯）非常低，并且可以粉碎，从而能够作为固体可再生燃料应用。 然而，废物是一种由于密度低和不一致性大而极难处理和输送的原料。 废物中的氯含量可能（i）导致严重腐蚀，以及（ii）需要严格的排放控制，成本显著增加。此外，它不能用于粉状燃料锅炉，因为它不可研磨。该项目提出了一种小型烘焙系统（50 kg/hr），通过开发以下设备来解决这些问题：（1）废物处理单元，其尺寸缩小到2 mm，具有独特的进料系统，可避免桥接;（2）填充单元，可处理难以流动和低密度材料;（3）安全冷却系统;以及（4）烘焙-挤出反应器。该反应器进行以下操作：（i）将有机氯减少到可接受的水平;（ii）分解长聚合物链并使材料易碎，从而可研磨;（iii）由于机械混合而使材料均匀化并减小尺寸;和（四）使用集成压实，减少占地面积，提高经济性。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并已被认为是值得通过评估使用的支持基金会的学术价值和更广泛的影响审查标准。

The broader impact of this Small Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project is to address sustainability by conversing waste into a clean and renewable resource. Waste incineration has been practiced for some time and brings operational difficulties and high emissions. The proposed project advances a technology to convert waste into a a solid fuel. The proposed project advances a torrefaction solution for industrial use. Torrefied waste is significantly low in hazardous components (chlorine) and can be pulverized, enabling application as a solid renewable fuel. However, waste is a feedstock that is extremely difficult to handle and convey due to low density and large inconsistencies. The chlorine content of waste can (i) cause severe corrosion and (ii) require strict emission control, with significant increase in cost. Further, it cannot be used in pulverized fuel boilers as it is not grindable. This project advances a small torrefaction system (50 kg/hr) addressing these issues by developing: (1) a waste handling unit that downsizes to 2 mm size with a unique feeding system that avoids bridging; (2) a cramming unit that can handle hard to flow and low-density materials; and (3) a cooling system for safety; and (4) a torrefaction-extrusion reactor. This reactor does the following: (i) reduces the organic chlorine to acceptable levels; (ii) decomposes long polymeric chains and makes the material friable, thus grindable; (iii) homogenizes and downsizing the material due to mechanical mixing; and (iv) uses an integrated compaction that reduces footprint and improves the economics.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.