Waste Derived FuelsNERF, 6th June 2013

Kirk BridgewoodDerwentside Environmental Testing Services

DETS – dependable data, dependable delivery

Overview

o Introduction o What is the difference between RDF and

SRF o What legislation covers WDFso Why do I need to test WDFs- what is

requiredo How do I sample a WDF o What are the markets for WDFso How to ensure a consistent quality /

specification for a WDF

Introduction

a heterogeneous group of non-hazardous wastes that do not cease to be such by virtue of their being used to generate energy without greater negative environmental impact than landfill disposal

Waste Derived Fuel (WDF)

Introduction

• Many views, both positive and negative - however:– Recovering energy from waste is playing an

increasing role in generating ‘low carbon’ energy and will support achievement of the UK’s target of 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. (WRAP, 2012)

– ‘Government supports efficient energy recovery from residual waste which can deliver environmental benefits, reduce carbon impacts and provide economic opportunities. Our aim is to get the most energy out of waste, not to get the most waste into energy’.

What legislation covers WDFs

Legislation

• Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010

• The Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) 2010/75/EU– The Waste Incineration Directive (WID) has been recast

within the IED. Provisions relating to gasification and pyrolysis have been introduced.

• Revised Waste Framework Directive (2008)– Recognises recovery, and EfW and places efficiency

standards on EfW plants (R1) that requires the use of heat energy produced.

Revised waste hierarchy

Releasing the energy bound within this waste (which would otherwise go to landfill) is a sensible and sustainable solution.

What is the difference between RDF and SRF?

RDF vs. SRF

• RDF - refers to a combustible, moderate Calorific Value (CV) waste fraction (e.g. paper, card, wood, and plastic) produced by the mechanical treatment of municipal or similar commercial / industrial waste– Limited processing– No quality management system – Limited quality control– Typical markets include EfW in the UK and Europe

• SRF as with RDF but prepared to a quality specification e.g. CEN 343– Using quality management techniques

• An SRF is not necessarily higher specification fuel than RDF, but there is greater consistency in the properties required

Why do I need to test WDFsand what’s involved

Testing WDFs• WDFs are defined by their physical and

chemical properties. – Determination of chemical properties in

particular required testing• Properties that define WDFs are often

grouped into economic, technical and environmental and include: • Gross and Net Calorific Value • Moisture Content • Ash Content • Volatile Matter• Elemental analysis • Metals analysis • Halides • Bulk Density

• Particle Size Distribution

• Composition (percentage paper, metals, plastic etc.)

• Biomass content • Ash melting properties • Density • Mechanical Durability

WDF testing in practice

Sample preparation• Mass reduction • Size reduction

Key properties • Moisture • Bulk Density • Calorific Value • Biomass • Metals • Chlorine

How do I sample WDFs for testing?

Importance of Sampling

Why Do We Need a Sampling Plan ?

• To give a consistent approach and repeatability

of samples

• Analysis is carried out on a representative sample.

Which in turn allows

• Classification of WDF materials for end users

• Prevention of rejected loads and give confidence in

supplied materials to end users.

1000 tonnes

1 gram

Sampling Plan design

Four elements to designing and undertaking sampling of WDF:

1. Sample size 2. Number of samples 3. Method for collecting

samples 4. When and where to collect

samples

Adapted from BS 15442:2011 for WRAP WDF guidance

What are the markets for WDFs?

WDF Markets

Users of WDF’s– EfW plants (UK and Europe)– Heating and Power Plants1 – Cement Kilns– Lime Kilns – Iron and Steel Production – Non-ferrous Metal Production – Brick Production

• Important to note that the above users (exc. Small scale unit) typically charge a gate fee.

1inc. small scale CHP units for individual companies

RDF

SRF

How RDF and SRF compare

Physiochemical propertiesParameter 

RDF SRF

Net Calorific Value MJ/Kg 7 -16 16-24

Moisture Content wt/wt % 18 - 50 5-18

Ash Content wt/wt % 5- 20 <10

Bulk Density kg/m3    Other Heavy Metals mg/Kg (list of WID / ID metals)

<850 <450

Chlorine wt/wt% <3 <1

Economic factorsGate fee (per tonne) £60 £25

Difference £35

Processing costs (raw feed to final fuel) per tonne

£12 £25

Difference taking into account processing and gate fees combined

£22

Important to note – figures used are only estimated . Specification values are taken from what DETS have tested reference to the type of material specified by the labelling.

Increased cost in processing is balanced out by reduction in gate fee and could be argued - has more market potential

How to bench mark WDFs

Classification schemes

• Quality management assurance and classification systems – CEN 343 sets out quality control and

classification system– WRAP recently launched a WDF classification

system – Both systems group WDF properties into three

groups:• Economic • Environmental • Technical (operational)

WRAP classification system

‘A Classification Scheme to Define the Quality of Waste Derived Fuels’

WRAP classification system

WRAP classification system

Contact Details: Derwentside Environmental Testing Services LtdUnit 2, Park Road Industrial Estate Consett Co Durham DH8 5PY Tel: +44 (0)1207 582333Email: info@dets.co.uk

Any Questions?