Effect of the Particle Size on Co-combustion of Municipal Solid Waste and Biomass Briquette under N2/O2 and CO2/O2 Atmospheres

The combustion characteristics and kinetics of municipal solid waste and biomass briquette blend were investigated at different particle sizes using thermogravimetric analysis. For the comparison between N2/O2 and CO2/O2 atmospheres, the mole fraction of oxygen was 20% and effects of the heating rate on the blend combustion behavior were also evaluated. Results showed that, in the range of less than 270 μm, the most vigorous combustion occurred at a particle size of 150–180 μm, regardless of the heating rate. With the increase of the heating rate, the combustion intensity of the blend could be improved and the reaction process was influenced to some extent. The replacement of N2 with CO2 reduced the combustion reactivity and had a significant effect at the particle sizes of less than 106 μm. The maximum values of activation energy (E) occurred at 150–180 μm, which corresponded to the maximum comprehensive combustion characteristic index S. The E values under an 80CO2/20O2 atmosphere were close to those un...