Conversion TechnologiesConversion TechnologiesAgenda Item 16 & 17Agenda Item 16 & 17

September 22, 2004September 22, 2004

Judy FriedmanJudy FriedmanFernando BertonFernando Berton

Rob WilliamsRob WilliamsKeith WeitzKeith Weitz

Susan CollinsSusan Collins

What we will cover todayWhat we will cover today

Agenda Items 16 & 17Agenda Items 16 & 17 Staff/Contractor PresentationsStaff/Contractor Presentations Board Q&ABoard Q&A Public TestimonyPublic Testimony Discussion and DirectionDiscussion and Direction Next StepsNext Steps

CT-BackgroundCT-Background

Historical Context for CT ExplorationHistorical Context for CT Exploration 2 Forums Initiated Research2 Forums Initiated Research

December 1999 – Santa BarbaraDecember 1999 – Santa Barbara May 2001 - SacramentoMay 2001 - Sacramento

Local Government and Developer Local Government and Developer InterestInterest

Strategic Plan DevelopmentStrategic Plan Development Zero Waste GoalZero Waste Goal Energy CrisisEnergy Crisis

Per-capita waste generation and disposal in California Per-capita waste generation and disposal in California

with associated waste diversion ratewith associated waste diversion rate

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004

Per

Cap

ita

So

lid W

aste

(lb

s./p

erso

n-y

r)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Per

cen

t o

f W

aste

Div

erte

d

Per capita Waste Generated (left axis)

Per capitaWaste Disposed (left axis)

Diversion Rate (right axis)

Source; Williams et. al., (2003)

Board Policy Adoption - Resolution 2002-177Board Policy Adoption - Resolution 2002-177

Conversion Definition:Conversion Definition:“…non-combustion thermal, chemical, biological means…”“…residual solid waste from which recyclables have been…diverted and/or removed…” “…products meet quality standards for use in marketplace…”“…minimum amount of residuals remaining after processing.”

Board Findings for Diversion Credit:Board Findings for Diversion Credit:Jurisdiction continues to implement recycling/diversion programs.Facility complements existing infrastructure and converting solid waste previously disposedFacility maintains/enhances environmental benefitsFacility maintains/enhances economic sustainability of IWM system

Level of Credit:Level of Credit:10% if jurisdiction meet all criteria aboveAnnually evaluate diversion credit2005 Annual Report – Evaluate effects of diversion credit

AB 2770-Technical EvaluationAB 2770-Technical Evaluation

Define and describe each conversion Define and describe each conversion technology technology

Evaluate technical performance Evaluate technical performance characteristics, feedstocks, characteristics, feedstocks, emissions, and residuesemissions, and residues

Identify the cleanest, least polluting Identify the cleanest, least polluting technologiestechnologies

AB 2770 - Lifecycle & Market Impact AssessmentAB 2770 - Lifecycle & Market Impact Assessment

Describe and evaluate the life-cycle Describe and evaluate the life-cycle environmental and public health environmental and public health impacts of each conversion impacts of each conversion technologytechnology

Compare to other solid waste Compare to other solid waste management practicesmanagement practices

Describe and evaluate the impacts on Describe and evaluate the impacts on the recycling and composting marketsthe recycling and composting markets

AB 2770 ImplementationAB 2770 Implementation

RFP/IAA ProcessRFP/IAA Process Public Input/workshopsPublic Input/workshops Comments (verbal and written)Comments (verbal and written) Response to CommentsResponse to Comments Peer ReviewPeer Review ListserveListserve

CT Major CategoriesCT Major CategoriesThermochemical ProcessesThermochemical Processes

PyrolysisPyrolysis Typically indirectly heated, without oxygenTypically indirectly heated, without oxygen 750750oo F to 1500 F to 1500oo F F

GasificationGasification Typically uses air or oxygen, can use steam, hydrogen and Typically uses air or oxygen, can use steam, hydrogen and

other other Uses less air/oxygen than for incinerationUses less air/oxygen than for incineration Typically above 1300Typically above 1300oo F F

TechnologTechnologyy

Primary Primary ProductProduct

Secondary Secondary ProductProduct

ResidueResidue

Gasification Fuel GasSynthesis Gas

Fuels, Chemicals, Power

Char, Ash, Liquids

Pyrolysis Pyrolytic oils Fuel GasSynthesis Gas

Fuels, Chemicals, Power

Char, Ash

Incinerators vs. CT

Differences with Incineration: Volume of output gases about 65% less per ton

of feedstock Primary product is fuel/synthetic gas Provides opportunity for gas cleanup Air pollution control for exhaust gases

Incinerators have no intermediate gas cleanup Air pollution control on exhaust gases only Requires addition of excess oxygen/air

CT Major CategoriesCT Major CategoriesAnaerobic Biochemical ProcessesAnaerobic Biochemical Processes

Anaerobic Digestion Bacteria break down feedstock No oxygen

Fermentation Also anaerobic process Cellulosic materials require hydrolysis prior to fermentation Conversion by yeast and bacteria, may use recombinant

organisms

TechnologyTechnology Primary Primary ProductProduct

Secondary Secondary ProductProduct ResidueResidue

Anaerobic Anaerobic DigestionDigestion BiogasBiogas

Heat, Heat, Electricity, Electricity, Fuels, Soil Fuels, Soil

AmendmentAmendment

Lignin, Lignin, inorganicsinorganics

FermentatioFermentationn

Ethanol, other Ethanol, other alcohols and alcohols and

chemicalschemicals

Animal feeds, Animal feeds, COCO2 2

Lignin, Lignin, inorganicsinorganics

FeedstocksFeedstocks

Primarily organic Primarily organic material material currently currently landfilledlandfilled

Thermochemical Thermochemical could convert all could convert all organic material organic material being landfilledbeing landfilled

Biochemical Biochemical could convert could convert only only biodegradable biodegradable fractionfraction

Pretreatment RequirementsPretreatment Requirements All CTs require pretreatment stepAll CTs require pretreatment step

Remove recyclablesRemove recyclables Ferrous, non-ferrous metals and glass Ferrous, non-ferrous metals and glass

could reduce efficiency of high temp. could reduce efficiency of high temp. systemssystems

Non-biodegradable materials could Non-biodegradable materials could upset anaerobic systemsupset anaerobic systems

California law and Board policy would California law and Board policy would require up-front recycling.require up-front recycling.

Operating FacilitiesOperating Facilities

Pyrolysis/GasificationPyrolysis/Gasification Operating in Japan and EuropeOperating in Japan and Europe

20 pyrolysis facilities20 pyrolysis facilities 39 gasification facilities39 gasification facilities

Installed capacity > 2.5 million TPYInstalled capacity > 2.5 million TPY= Approximately 8% of total organic = Approximately 8% of total organic

material material landfilled in Californialandfilled in California

Facility ProblemsFacility Problems

Pyrolysis Facility – GermanyPyrolysis Facility – Germany Serious accident to due plug of wasteSerious accident to due plug of waste Escaping pyrolytic gasesEscaping pyrolytic gases Plant personnel hospitalizedPlant personnel hospitalized Reason for accidentReason for accident

Poor feedstock preparationPoor feedstock preparation Accepting large items such as mattressesAccepting large items such as mattresses

Learning experienceLearning experience Japanese companies using similar process Japanese companies using similar process

successfullysuccessfully

Facility ProblemsFacility Problems

Gasification Facility – AustraliaGasification Facility – Australia Char gasification componentChar gasification component Financial problemsFinancial problems Parent company ceased fundingParent company ceased funding

Operating FacilitiesOperating Facilities

BiochemicalBiochemical Predominantly anaerobic digestion in Predominantly anaerobic digestion in

EuropeEurope Installed capacity in 2000 = 1.1 million Installed capacity in 2000 = 1.1 million

TPYTPY Installed capacity in 2004 = 2.8 million Installed capacity in 2004 = 2.8 million

TPYTPY 250% increase!!!250% increase!!!

Anaerobic DigestionAnaerobic Digestion

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Cap

acit

y (m

illi

on

to

ns/

y)

*

CT Environmental ImpactsCT Environmental Impacts

All CTs will require environmental All CTs will require environmental controlscontrols

MSW combustion emissions have MSW combustion emissions have improvedimproved

CTs can offer improvements relative CTs can offer improvements relative to combustion systemsto combustion systems

Emission Reductions for Combustion of MSWEmission Reductions for Combustion of MSW

Pollutant 1990 Emissions

2000 Emissions

PercentReductio

n

Dioxins/furans, total mass basis

218,000 g/yr 679 g/yr 99+

Dioxins/furans, Toxic equivalent quantity basis

4,260 g/yr 12.0 g/yr 99+

Mercury 45.2 tpy 2.20 tpy 95.1

Cadmium 4.75 tpy 0.333 tpy 93.0

Lead 52.1 tpy 4.76 tpy 90.9

Particulate matter 6,930 tpy 707 tpy 89.8

Hydrochloric acid 46,900 tpy 2,672 tpy 94.3

SO2 30,700 tpy 4,076 tpy 86.7

NOx 56,400 tpy 46,500 tpy 17.6

Source; US EPA (2002). Same total tonnage of MSW

Emission Data for Various Thermochemical Emission Data for Various Thermochemical Facilities/TechnologiesFacilities/Technologies

- Gas Burned for Heat and Power -- Gas Burned for Heat and Power -(mg/Nm(mg/Nm33 unless noted) unless noted)

DioxinTEQ

(ng/Nm3)

US EPA limits 18.4 219.8 89.2 61.2 29.1 0.01533 0.1533 0.0613

German limits 10 200 50 50 0.1 10 0.03 0.5 0.03

Brightstar 1.6-10 40-96 440-625 0.05 <0.1 0.0331 <1.0 <0.0002 0.0051

Compact Power 0.11 26.49 7.13 0.49 3.37 0.17

GEM 3 262 8 6 79 0.02 4 ND ND

Mitsui Babcock 75 ppm 5 ppm 8 ppm 0.016 9 ppm

Mitsui Babcock <35 ppm <10ppm <0.005 <31

PKA 2.3 54 38 2.3 7.7 0.02 2.3 0.002 0.002

Pyromex 1 135 38 0.5 20 0.005 1

Serpac 4.2-5.2 61-189 0.5-2.5 0.2-0.5 0.0-5.6 0.002 1.7-5 0.05

Technip 3 180 10 2 5 0.001 5 0.02 0.02

Thermoselect(Karlsruhe)

Thide-Eddith 470 50 <15 <200 30

Thide (Nakaminato) <3 <20 <4 <0.01 <10

TPS 3 - 7 200-300 2.5-5 5 - 15 0.013 0.6-2 <0.004 0.005 0.008-0.05

0.013 0.00180.0007-0.0011

0.0010.84 21.76 2.95 0.16

HgHCl Cd PbTOC VOC SO2PM NOx CO

Other use of synthesis gas may have lower emissions

Thermochemical Systems Thermochemical Systems ResiduesResidues

Liquids/condensates can be created Liquids/condensates can be created which require treatment before which require treatment before disposal (Standard methods)disposal (Standard methods)

Scrubber solutions from some Air Scrubber solutions from some Air Pollution Control Devices (Standard Pollution Control Devices (Standard methods)methods)

Solid residues (process and feedstock Solid residues (process and feedstock dependent)dependent) May have commercial use subject to May have commercial use subject to

toxicity– otherwise need disposaltoxicity– otherwise need disposal

Biochemical Process Air EmissionsBiochemical Process Air Emissions-Use of Biogas--Use of Biogas-

CARB Recommended BACT CARB Recommended BACT emissions for Biogas Fueled emissions for Biogas Fueled

reciprocating enginesreciprocating engines

(includes LFG)

  (ppm) (lb/MW-hr)

NOx 50 1.9

VOC 130 1.9

CO 300 7.8

PM NA NA

US EPA has measured Dioxin emissions in LFG Flare and Engine exhaust concentrations up to 0.1 ng TEQ/N m3

Biochemical Process Air EmissionsBiochemical Process Air Emissions-Use of Ethanol--Use of Ethanol-

Ethanol produced from MSW Ethanol produced from MSW used as oxygenate in vehicle fuel used as oxygenate in vehicle fuel subject to same emission subject to same emission requirements as ethanol from requirements as ethanol from other sourcesother sources

Biochemical Process Biochemical Process Liquid ResiduesLiquid Residues

Liquid effluent from AD can be Liquid effluent from AD can be used as fertilizer- subject to used as fertilizer- subject to toxicity, otherwise will require toxicity, otherwise will require additional treatment before additional treatment before disposaldisposal

Spent solution from Acid Spent solution from Acid Hydrolysis must be neutralized Hydrolysis must be neutralized before disposalbefore disposal

Biochemical Process Biochemical Process Solid ResiduesSolid Residues

Feedstock Dependent - Large amount Feedstock Dependent - Large amount of solid residue compared to of solid residue compared to thermochemical conversionthermochemical conversion

Depending on amount of up-front Depending on amount of up-front sorting, there may be opportunity for sorting, there may be opportunity for plastics, other organics, glass, and plastics, other organics, glass, and metals recoverymetals recovery

Undigested/unfermented biomass Undigested/unfermented biomass solids can be composted, used as solids can be composted, used as thermochemical feedstock, or landfilled thermochemical feedstock, or landfilled

FindingsFindings

Thermochemical and Biochemical Thermochemical and Biochemical conversion systems are successfully conversion systems are successfully operating on MSWoperating on MSW

Market and Policy DrivenMarket and Policy Driven Europe – Public Health and GHG Reduction GoalsEurope – Public Health and GHG Reduction Goals

EU Landfill directive: Biodegradable Waste <35% of EU Landfill directive: Biodegradable Waste <35% of 1995 amount (by weight) by 20151995 amount (by weight) by 2015

High Prices paid for Renewable ElectricityHigh Prices paid for Renewable Electricity Carbon Trading MarketCarbon Trading Market High Tipping Fees - Limited Landfill CapacityHigh Tipping Fees - Limited Landfill Capacity

Japan – ‘Island Nation’ and GHG Reduction GoalsJapan – ‘Island Nation’ and GHG Reduction Goals Very limited Landfill CapacityVery limited Landfill Capacity Limited Domestic Energy ResourcesLimited Domestic Energy Resources

FindingsFindings

Thermochemical Systems compared Thermochemical Systems compared to Biochemical Systemsto Biochemical Systems Higher Temperatures and Faster Reaction Higher Temperatures and Faster Reaction

RatesRates Larger Capacity or Smaller ‘Footprint’Larger Capacity or Smaller ‘Footprint’

In general, best suited for dryer In general, best suited for dryer feedstocks, but can accept nearly all feedstocks, but can accept nearly all biomass and plastics (sorting is preferred)biomass and plastics (sorting is preferred)

Wider range of possible ProductsWider range of possible Products Usually less solid residueUsually less solid residue

FindingsFindings Biochemical Systems Compared to Biochemical Systems Compared to

Thermochemical SystemsThermochemical Systems Lower Temperatures and Slower Reaction RatesLower Temperatures and Slower Reaction Rates

Large Capacity Requires large facilityLarge Capacity Requires large facility Best suited for higher moisture feedstocksBest suited for higher moisture feedstocks Cannot degrade Plastics and a portion of the Cannot degrade Plastics and a portion of the

biomass (lignin) biomass (lignin) Sorting of the Feedstock is highly desirableSorting of the Feedstock is highly desirable More solid residue, but can be composted or More solid residue, but can be composted or

dried and used for thermochemical feedstockdried and used for thermochemical feedstock Exclusion from transformation category and Exclusion from transformation category and

allowance of full diversion credit provides allowance of full diversion credit provides economic incentive for AD over other CTseconomic incentive for AD over other CTs

Fractions of Total Mass and Energy of Fractions of Total Mass and Energy of ComponentsComponents in the in the California Landfill StreamCalifornia Landfill Stream

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Paper

/Car

dboa

rdFoo

d

Leav

es a

nd G

rass

Other

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anics

C&D Lum

ber

All non

-Film

Plas

tic

Film P

lastic

Branc

hes a

nd st

umps

Textile

s

Fra

ctio

n o

f T

ota

l (%

)

Mass Basis Energy Basis

Source; Williams et. al., (2003)

FindingsFindings

Development of CTs will lead to more Development of CTs will lead to more source separation or enhanced source separation or enhanced sortingsorting

Expected to improve recovery rates Expected to improve recovery rates of glass and metals for recyclingof glass and metals for recycling

RecommendationsRecommendations

The definition provided in AB 2770 The definition provided in AB 2770 for gasification should be revised to for gasification should be revised to provide a more scientifically correct provide a more scientifically correct description of the gasification description of the gasification process. process.

Consider whether technology specific Consider whether technology specific definitions are needed in statutedefinitions are needed in statute

Improved definitions, if needed, are Improved definitions, if needed, are given in the report.given in the report.

Recommendations (contd.)Recommendations (contd.)

Continue to investigate CTs in more Continue to investigate CTs in more detaildetail Need more complete emissions data of Need more complete emissions data of

existing facilities.existing facilities. More specific detail on commercial More specific detail on commercial

status.status. Assess social and economic costs of all Assess social and economic costs of all

waste management alternatives.waste management alternatives.

Recommendations (contd.)Recommendations (contd.)

Sponsor pilot scale demonstration Sponsor pilot scale demonstration facilities within Californiafacilities within California Include a number of different Include a number of different

technologiestechnologies Steering Committee of StakeholdersSteering Committee of Stakeholders Detailed analysis of systemsDetailed analysis of systems Open dissemination of resultsOpen dissemination of results

Goal is to develop verifiable and credible Goal is to develop verifiable and credible informationinformation

Recommendations (contd.)Recommendations (contd.)

Explore development of ‘Eco-Park’ Explore development of ‘Eco-Park’ concept (complete stream recycling concept (complete stream recycling facilities)facilities)

Investigate biorefinery conceptsInvestigate biorefinery concepts

Recommendations (contd.)Recommendations (contd.)

Improve the characterization of MSW in order Improve the characterization of MSW in order better predict the behavior of conversion better predict the behavior of conversion

systems.systems. Physical and Chemical PropertiesPhysical and Chemical Properties

Proximate, ultimate, and other elemental analysis Proximate, ultimate, and other elemental analysis including ash, metals, and toxic cogenersincluding ash, metals, and toxic cogeners

Higher heating values (HHV)Higher heating values (HHV) Structural carbohydrate analyses Structural carbohydrate analyses

(cellulose/hemicellulose/lignin) for cellulosic components(cellulose/hemicellulose/lignin) for cellulosic components Protein/carbohydrate/fats for typical food and other Protein/carbohydrate/fats for typical food and other

wasteswastes

Recommendations (contd.)Recommendations (contd.)

To encourage CT development and To encourage CT development and reduce landfillingreduce landfilling

Explore financing mechanismsExplore financing mechanisms Co-location with existing waste Co-location with existing waste

handling facilitieshandling facilities

Other ReportsOther Reports

CADDET – August 1998CADDET – August 1998 Advanced thermal CTs will meet current Advanced thermal CTs will meet current

emission standardsemission standards Could meet tighter limitsCould meet tighter limits Lower emissions than mass burn Lower emissions than mass burn

technologytechnology Waste sorting for more homogeneous Waste sorting for more homogeneous

feedstockfeedstock Lower gas flowLower gas flow Improved producer gas combustionImproved producer gas combustion

Other ReportsOther ReportsCADDETCADDET

Prior to 1990 – Facilities used unsorted Prior to 1990 – Facilities used unsorted MSWMSW

Abandoned due to technical problemsAbandoned due to technical problems Proved that CTs required homogeneous feedstockProved that CTs required homogeneous feedstock Pre-sorting/size reduction imperative to remove Pre-sorting/size reduction imperative to remove

recyclablesrecyclables Presence of recycling programs may Presence of recycling programs may

improve economicsimprove economics Reducing pre-treatment requirementsReducing pre-treatment requirements

Potential benefits of thermal CTsPotential benefits of thermal CTs Lower environmental impactsLower environmental impacts Higher conversion efficienciesHigher conversion efficiencies Greater compatibility with recyclingGreater compatibility with recycling

Other ReportsOther ReportsAlternative Waste Management Technologies

and Practices Inquiry – April 2000

No one technology is suitable for all waste streams Each technology can form part of an IWM system Pyrolysis/Gasification can operate at smaller or

modular scale. Fermentation would have limited air/water

emissions.

LCA/MIA

AB 2770 - Lifecycle & Market Impact AssessmentAB 2770 - Lifecycle & Market Impact Assessment

Describe and evaluate the life-cycle Describe and evaluate the life-cycle environmental and public health impacts environmental and public health impacts of each conversion technologyof each conversion technology

Compare to other solid waste Compare to other solid waste management practicesmanagement practices

Describe and evaluate the impacts on the Describe and evaluate the impacts on the recycling and composting marketsrecycling and composting markets

Analysis based on hypothetical scenarios Analysis based on hypothetical scenarios in S.F. Bay Area and L.A. Basinin S.F. Bay Area and L.A. Basin

Growth Scenarios establishedGrowth Scenarios established

Board Q&ABoard Q&A

Public Testimony

Summary of Contractor RecommendationsSummary of Contractor Recommendations

UC Technical Study Lifecycle/Market Impact Study

Revise “Gasification” definition. Update the study results with environmental, operating, and market data from actual facilities in California and US, as they become available.

Formal vendor evaluation by neutral, third party

Analyze regions with a wider variation in waste composition.

Sponsor pilot-scale facility. Include steering committee

Analyze other feasible conversion technologies

Improve MSW characterization Analyze optimal conversion technology facility configurations

Collect additional data Investigate the market impacts of handling other types of waste streams

Create co-funding mechanism Research conversion factors for plastics

Explore “eco-park” concept Research the potential impact of exports to China on recycling markets

Analyze small modular conversion technology facilities

CT Report to LegislatureCT Report to Legislature

Definitions of CTs evaluatedDefinitions of CTs evaluated Description of lifecycle/public health Description of lifecycle/public health

impactsimpacts Description of technical performanceDescription of technical performance

Feedstocks, Emissions, ResiduesFeedstocks, Emissions, Residues I.D. cleanest, least polluting CTI.D. cleanest, least polluting CT Description of market impactsDescription of market impacts

RecyclingRecycling CompostingComposting

CT Report to LegislatureCT Report to Legislature

Separate definitions for “thermochemical” and “biochemical” conversion

Include discussion on diversion credit Additional studies to address data gaps Address comments beyond scopes of

work Contractor recommendations

Next StepsNext Steps

October 1 workshopOctober 1 workshop Proposed Nov. Discussion ItemProposed Nov. Discussion Item

Questions/Conclusion