STTR Phase I: Waste Torrefaction Technology

这项小型技术转让研究（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，存在操作困难和高排放问题。拟议中的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碳化解决方案。碳化废物的有害成分（氯）含量显著降低，并且可以粉碎，从而可以作为固体可再生燃料加以应用。然而，由于低密度和大不一致性，废物是一种极难处理和运输的原料。废物中的氯含量会(i)造成严重腐蚀，（ii）需要严格控制排放，成本显著增加。此外，它不能用于粉状燃料锅炉，因为它是不可磨的。该项目推进了一种小型制冷系统（50公斤/小时），通过开发：(1)一个废物处理单元，尺寸缩小到2毫米，具有独特的进料系统，避免桥接；(2)可处理难流动和低密度物料的填塞装置；(3)安全冷却系统；(4)变形-挤压反应器。该反应器的作用如下：(i)将有机氯降低到可接受的水平；（ii）分解长聚合链，使材料易碎，因此可研磨；（iii）通过机械混合使物料均质化并缩小尺寸；（iv）采用综合压实技术，减少了足迹，提高了经济性。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

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.