Gasification and Co-gasification of paper-rich, high-ash refuse-derived fuel in downdraft gasifier.

Among the various waste-to-energy conversion methods, gasification is a technically feasible option for municipal solid waste valorization, meeting current emission limits and reducing landfill disposal burden. This work investigates the potential of paper rich (⁓ 76 % wt.) commercial refuse-derived fuel (RDF) having high ash content (⁓ 17 % wt.) for gasification and co-gasification in downdraft gasifier. The ash formed from RDF, with higher proportion of alkaline earth metals (Ca and Mg) and lower proportion of alkali metals (Na and K), can effectively avoid agglomeration and clinker formation during gasification. The producer gas obtained from RDF gasification reports a maximum lower heating value of 4.34 MJ/Nm3at an equivalence ratio of 0.34 with corresponding cold gas efficiency of 59.24%.Co-gasification of RDF with biomass was examined as a strategy to reduce overall ash content of the mixture, using sawdust. Co-gasification has exhibited a synergy between RDF and sawdust when the RDF fraction in feedstock is at the higher side. A maximum lower heating value of 4.65 MJ/Nm3 was obtained during the co-gasification and the tar yield reduced from 13.6 g/Nm3to 8.8 g/Nm3 when RDF in the feed increased from 25% to 75% (w/w). • Investigates potential of paper-rich RDF for gasification and co-gasification. • Absence of agglomeration and clinker formation during gasification and co-gasification. • Producer gas with LHV and CGE of 4.34 MJ/Nm3 and 59.24%, respectively from RDF gasification. • RDF has exhibited synergy with biomass at higher RDF fraction during co-gasification. • Reduction in tar content with increase in RDF fraction during co-gasification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]