WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV

LECTURE-26 (15-MAR-2021)

COMPOSTING – The process of bacterial decomposition of the solid waste to form compost or humus is
called composting.

COMPOSTING (AEROBIC CONVERSION) (KA)

Composting is the most commonly used process for the decomposition of the organic components of MSW. In this system
the non biodegradable components e.g. Plastics, Rubber, Paper, Leather are separated out from MSW and this
biodegradable fraction is allowed to decompose in an aerobic environment. This produces a humus like material known as
compost. The Biological and Chemical changes that take place during composting can be described as in following equation.

Organic Fraction of MSW + O2 + Nutrients + Microorganism

Compost + New Cell + Dead Cell + CO2 + H2O + SO42- + Heat

Organic Fraction of MSW includes nutrients and several kinds of microorganism. Microorganisms are mainly responsible for
the conversion of MSW into compost. A small quantity of sewage sludge rich in microorganism is also sometimes added to
accelerate the conversion process. New cells are produced and become part of active biomass, which is ultimately
converted into compost. A succession of Facultative and aerobic microorganisms is active in composting.

CRITICAL DESIGN PARAMETER IN COMPOSTING

1. Particle Size
The ideal Size of Particle is less than 50mm and ranges from 25mm to 75mm. The bacterial decomposition
is uniform and higher in rate. We reduce the particle size by shredding.

2. Moisture Content
The moisture content range between 50% to 60% but 55% is the optimum value. When the moisture
content is less than 40%, the process of biological conversion becomes slow. The moisture content can be
controlled by adding water to the wastes or by blending of the waste with sludge from treatment plant.

3. Carbon to Hydrogen Ratio (C/N Ratio)

It is the critical parameter in the design of composting system. The C/N ratio for composting should ideally
25: 1 and ranges between 25 and 50. If the ratio is reduced, the biological activity will also reduces. At
Higher ratio, Nitrogen becomes the limiting factor where carbon decomposes but Nitrogen do not
decompose.

4. PH Control
The PH is maintained between 7-7.5. At low PH, the biological activity reduces and at higher PH Nitrogen
is released as Ammonia.

5. Temperature
Temperature control is required in the composting process as it affects the growth of cells and the rate of
composting. The temperature is maintained at 50 -55 ⁰C. Initially the temperature is maintained between 50
⁰C and 55 ⁰C. After a day or two, it is increased to between 55 ⁰C and 60 ⁰C. When the temperature
increases above 60 ⁰C, the microorganisms die out and biological activities reduces significantly.
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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV

6. Blending
It is a process of adequate mixing of solid waste to maintain uniform moisture.

7. Seeding
It is a process of adding microorganism culture to the waste to be compost such as activated sludge to
increase the composting process. Activated sludge increase the bacterial decomposition and hence increases
the rate of composition process. Thus Seeding is required to accelerate the biological decomposition of
waste.

Note: The Blending and Seeding is controlled by C/N ratio (Carbon to Hydrogen Ratio)

8. Air Requirement (Frequent Turning of Compost)

Aeration improves the Aerobic process and hence constant aerobic process should be provided. Air is
supplied to the composting system through frequent turning of waste or through a nozzle. In a highly
composting system, pure oxygen is supplied for oxidizing the biological fraction of solid waste. The
quantity of oxygen or air required for composting depends upon the composition of solid wastes (i.e the
percentage of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen available in the solid waste.)

9. Mixing and Turning (First turn on the third day and then on alternative days)
It is done to optimize the temperature and bacterial growth in a uniform manner. It results in Homogenous
Atmosphere, Uniform Temperature and Uniform Bacterial Growth. Mixing and Turning are two important
process for composting process. Mixing is carried out to obtain a Homogenous mixture of biodegradable
component. It also helps in uniform distribution of nutrients and microorganisms in the wastes, so as to
accelerate the biological transformation of wastes.

Turning of solid waste is carried out at regular interval. This provides sufficient amount of air required for
aerobic conversion of solid wastes. It is also carried out to maintain the moisture content uniform through
the mass of composting material. Regular, periodic turning and moisture control prevent drying, caking,
and air channelling in the composting material.

10. Odour (Control by air supply)

- To reduce the bad odour
- The issue comes when the process is anaerobic
- The system is kept aerobic by supplying Oxygen
- Odour control in composting is necessary, as otherwise it will create nuisance in the neighbourhood.
- Odour is produced due to insufficient supply of Oxygen to the wastes during the biodegradation.
- Lack of oxygen in the waste results in anaerobic conditions generating various malodours organic acid
and gases such as ammonia, and hydrogen sulphide.
- Large size particle present in the waste also prevents flow of air.
- Waste should therefore properly shredded and converted into small size particles, before these are
composted.

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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV

CONTROL PARAMETERS IN COMPOSTING

PARAMETER VALUE
PARTICLE SIZE 25 - 75 mm
MOISTURE CONTENT 50 - 60 %
C/N 25 – 50
PH 7 - 7.5
TEMPERATURE 50 - 55 ⁰C
BLENDING AND SEEDING Controlled C/N ratio
AIR SUPPLY Frequent turning of Compost
MIXING AND TURNING First turn on the third day and then on alternative days
PATHOGEN CONTROL Maintain a temperature of final compost @ 70 ⁰ C for 1 to 2 hours
ODOR Controlled by air supply

THREE BASIC STEPS INVOLVED IN COMPOSTING

1. Preparation of Solid waste which involve particles sizing and segregation
2. Decomposition of Solid Waste by aerobic bacteria
3. Preparation and Marketing

TYPES OF COMPOSTING SYSTEM

Depending upon the status of waste during the process, composting system can be broadly classified as Agitated
and Static. In agitated system, the waste to be composted in agitated to supply the oxygen. Turning is usually
carried out for this purpose. In a static system, wastes are kept static while the air is supplied by mechanical means
such as Blowers. Three different types of composting are:-

1. Windrow Method
2. Static Pile Method
3. In-Vessel Method

1. Windrow Method
Windrow are the wastes of about 1.5-2 m Height and 4-5 m width are prepared. Waste materials are
shredded before making windrows. The size of the windrows also depends upon the size of the
equipment available for turning. The moisture content is maintained between 50 – 60 percent. The
system takes about four to six (4-6) weeks to convert the waste material into compost. The composted
material then obtained is then cured (i.e. allowed to stand without turning) for a period of two to three
(2-3) weeks for complete stabilization.

Land requirement is big issue for composting in Windrow Method.

1.5 to 2 m

4.5 m

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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
2. Static Pile Method
In static pile method the waste is kept in static piles. These pile are provided with a grid of perforated
pipes, which are used to supply the air. Air may be heated to the desired temperature. This method is
faster and provides better control than the windrow method. The waste materials are composted for two
to four (2-4) weeks. It is then cured for a further period of two to three (2-3) weeks.

Waste Heated

Air Supply

Perforated Pipes

- It has layer of perforated pipes to maintain aeration.

- Waste is piled over it.
- If the temperature is to be maintained then the heated air is circulated through these perforated pipes.
- Faster than windrow and more efficient.

3. In-Vessel Method
As the name suggested in-vessel composting is carried out in a closed container. Various types of vessel or
container e.g. Vertical cylinders, horizontal cylinders rectangular or circular tank can be used for composting.
Mechanical agitators are used for mixing for composting materials. Air can be supplied through nozzles
connected with blowers. The advantage of this system is a high degree of control over temperature, air, PH,
odour etc. This system is therefore popular, especially in developed countries. The system takes about one to
two (1-2) weeks for converting waste into compost but a longer curing period, about four to ten (4-10) weeks,
for complete stabilization.

Air Supply

Vertical Cylinder
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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
- The In-Vessel method is used when there is no land availability.
- Series of cylinders are required. Uses two different types of cylinders, vertical and Horizontal mixed with
agitator and air supply system.
- These are closed cylinder with small opening for agitator and air supply system.
- Takes around Four to Ten (4-10) weeks for complete stabilization.
- Space is only required for cylinder thus land availability is not an issue.
- No Bad odour due to closed lids.

PROPERTIES OF COMPOST
Compost, the final end product of composting, is better than a chemical fertilizer for agriculture purpose. It is also eco
friendly and economically attractive. Good quality compost should be dark brown to black in colour (say blackish brown in
colour) with an earthy odour. It should be slightly moist with PH range between 6.5 and 7.5. The heavy metal concentration
should follow the pollution control norms.

LECTURE-27 (19-MAR-2021)

INCINERATION
Combustion or Incineration is a process based on thermal processing of solid waste by oxidation. Various
combustion gases e.g. N2, CO2, SO2, water vapour and non-combustible residue in the form of ash are obtained.
Energy can be recovered by heat exchange from the combustion gases. The burning of solid wastes is usually
accomplished in Incinerators. Different types of Incinerator are Mass Fired, RDF Fired, and Fluidized Bed type.
The Incinerator Institute of America (IIA) classifies Incinerable wastes into seven types.

TABLE 2.1 CLASSFICATION OF INCINERABLE WASTE

Requirement of Recommended
Approx. Non
Typ Btu auxiliary fuel Minimum Input
Major Component Composition Combustible
e Value/lb (Btu per lb of (Btu per lb of
(% by Wt.) Solids
waste) waste)
Thrash Highly Combustible
(Paper, Wood, Cardboard Trash 100
Cartons and up to 10 %
0 treated papers, plastics or 5 8500 0 0
rubber scraps; Moisture
Sources: Commercial and Content 10
Industrial
Rubbish Combustible waste,
paper, Cartons, rags, wood Rubbish 80
scraps, combustible floor Garbage 20
1 sweeping; 10 6500 0 0
Moisture
Source: Domestic , Content 25
commercial and Industrial
Rubbish 50
Refuse Rubbish and Garbage
Garbage 50
2 7 4300 0 1500
Moisture
Source: Domestic
Content 50
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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
Garbage Animal and
Vegetable Wastes Rubbish 35
Garbage 65
3 Source: Hotel, Restaurants, 5 2500 1500 3000
Moisture
Markets, Institutional, Content 70
Commercial and clubs
Animal Solids and Organics
Carcasses, Organs, Solid Animal and
Organic Wastes. Human Tissues 8000
4 100 5 1000 3000 (5000 Primary)
Source: Hospital, Moisture (3000 Secondary)
Laboratories, abattoirs, Content 85
animal pounds etc.
Gases, Liquid or semi-Liquid Dependent
5 Variable on Major Variable Variable Variable
Source: Industrial Process
Component
Waste
Semi-Solid and Solid
Dependent
Combustible requiring
6 Variable on Major Variable Variable Variable
health, retort, or gate
Component
equipment

The Institute (IIA) also separates incinerators into nine classes according to their use and size as tubulised below.
Minimum construction and performance standards for each class are also prescribed.

Table 2.2: Standards of Construction and Performance for Different Class of

Incinerator
Class Standards
Portable, Packaged, completely assembled, direct-feed incinerators having not over 5 cu ft storage capacity
I
or 25 lb/hr burning rate, suitable for type 2 waste
Portable, Packaged or Job Assembled, direct feed Incinerators having a primary chamber volume of 5 to 15
IA
cu ft or a burning rate of 25 lb/hr of type 3 waste
Flue-fed, single chamber incinerators with more than 2 cu ft burning area for type 2 waste. This incinerator
II type is served by one vertical flue functioning as a chute for both charging waste and carrying the products of
combustion to the atmosphere. Usually installed in apartments or Multiple Dwellings.
Chute-fed, single chamber incinerator for apartment building with more than 2 cu ft burning area, Suitable
IIA for type 1 and 2 waste. Not recommended for industrial installation. In this Incinerator a separate flue for
carrying the emission to atmosphere is provided.
III Direct-Feed with a burning rate of 100 lb/h and suitable for burning type 0, 1, or 2 waste.
IV Direct-Feed with a burning rate of 75 lb/h and suitable for burning type 3 wastes.
Municipal Incinerators, suitable for type 0, 1, 2 or 3 waste or a combination of these. Rated in tons per hour
V
or tons per day.
VI Crematory and pathological incinerator suitable for type 4 waste.
VII Designed for specific by-product waste, type 5 or 6.

THREE DIFFERENT TYPE OF INCINERATOR

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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
1. Mass Fired Incinerator
2. Refused Derived fuel Incinerator (RDF Incinerator)
3. Fluidised Bed Incinerator

1. Mass Fired Incinerator

- Every kind of waste
- No initial processing of MSW is conducted
- Occurs at a temperature of 1200-2300 ⁰F

Mass fired combustion system are designed to incinerate the municipal solid wastes as collected without or with
very little prior processing. The energy produced by mass fired combustion system depends upon the combustion
of municipal solid waste. A typical mass fired incinerator is shown below.

2. Refused Derived fuel Incinerator (RDF Incinerator)

- Extracting energy from Glass and Metals.

In RDF fired combustion system, processed solid waste refuse derived fuel (RDF) is burnt. Various components
e.g. metals, glass and other non combustible material are removed to produce RDF. Since RDF is more
homogenous the system is better controlled for combustion and more energy is recovered.

3. Fluidized Bed Incineration

- These are basically steel cylinder with inner lining of Brick and Sand.
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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
- Natural gas is used for increasing the temperature.
- Temperature is around 1450-1750 ⁰F

A fluidized bed type combustion system includes a steel vertical cylinder, lined inside with refractory bricks and
has sand bed. Ai nozzle called tuyeres is provided to inject air at high pressure. The below figure shows a typical
fluidized bed incinerator. Solid Fuel (or RDF) is injected into the cylinder. Auxiliary fuels such as natural gas or
oils may be used initially to increase the temperature of the bed up to operational level which is about 1450-1750
⁰F. This system can also be used burning of sewage sludge and other chemical wastes.

PROBLEMS ASSOCITED WITH INCINERATOR OPERATION

1. Excessive Stack Emission – Due to variety of reasons like Excessive Infiltration Air, Over Charging of
Waste, Excessive negative draft in primary chamber, Low Temperatue in Secondary Chamber
2. Black Smoke - Unburnt Carbon Particles due to incomlete combustion.
3. White Smoke - Smoke Contains Aerosol [6-12 mm] may be due to Excess Air suplied.
4. Leakage of Smoke from Charging Door – Due to Excessive air pressure in the primary chamber
5. Excessive Auxilary fuel consumption – Due to Over Charging, Excessive Air Infiltration, Improper Flame
Distribution.
6. Incomplete Burning and Poor Ash Quality - Over Charging of waste, Non Uniform Air Distribution, Partial
Blockage of Primary Burner, Leakage of Fuel etc.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE EFFICIENCY OF INCINERATOR

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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
The efficiency of incinerator is measured in terms of the unburnt organics or of the products of improper
combustion escaping through the flue gas and the bottom ash. Important parameters in the design of an incinerator
systems are waste combustibility, temperature, turbulence and residence time require for combustion.

1. Combustibility
- It is the ease with which the waste can be oxidized.
- It is measured in terms of calorific value or the heat produced during the incineration.
- The waste should have energy content of 2500 KJ/Kg or greater to work efficiently.
- This limit however increases as the excess air required for proper contact with the waste increases.
- Waste with lower calorific value requires addition of auxiliary fuel to maintain adequate temperature.
- Wastes with high moisture content also require additional fuel.

2. Temperature
- Temperature in the incinerator is maintained such that all the component in the waste decompose to
release the volatile fraction and to oxidise the fixed carbon fraction of wastes.
- All contaminant such as pathogens, volatile hydrocarbons, smoke and gases (e.g. CO) should be
completely oxidised.
- Temperature ranges from 1200 ⁰C – 1800 ⁰C and depends upon the type of Incinerator.

3. Turbulence
- Proper mixing of air with the solid wastes in necessary for complete combustion.
- Turbulence is therefore created by applying a high current of air in the form of swirling motion.
- In rotary kiln type incinerators the movement of kiln itself provides the mixing effect.
- In small static incinerator, raking is required at regular interval for creating turbulence.
- The introduced air increases continuously inside the Incinerator. The flow of air is continuous and
uniform.

4. Residence Time
- The residence time is crucial in combustion process to ensure complete oxidation of combustible
matter.
- It can be maintained by adjusting the frequency of ash removal.
- In some incinerator such as rotary kiln type, the speed of the kiln is adjusted to allow sufficient
residence time for combustion.
- The residence time is 1 sec.
- The residence time is the duration at which air flow inside the Incinerator Chamber and comes out from
the incinerator Chamber.

DESIGN ASPECTS OF INCINERATOR

1. Chamber Design
- A volume of waste to be handled
- Assumed depth of Chamber (2.2 m)
- Area=V/D
- Length: Breadth = 1.5:1
- Dimension of the chamber = L x B x H
- Volume of air = Molecular mass of Organic Fraction
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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
 General Equation
o C + O2 = CO2
o S + O2 =SO2
Volume of air based on Molecular Mass – C, H, N, O, S to be calculated.

PYROLYSIS
- Pyrolysis is a chemical change due to partial combustion of solid waste in the absence of Oxygen.
- It is also known as thermal decomposition where the external source of heat is employed
- Pyrolysis is an endothermic process and requires heat from an external source. Therefore it is also
termed as destructive distillation. It yields gaseous, liquid and solid fraction as follows.
 Gas fraction includes Hydrogen, Methane, Carbon Monoxide, and Carbon Dioxide
 Liquid fraction includes tar or oil stream containing acetic acid, acetone, methanol
 Solid fraction includes char, consisting of carbon and other inert materials originally
present in MSW.
- The proportion of gases, liquid and char obtained depends upon the temperature at which Pyrolysis is
carried out.
- Typical Pyrolysis process is given in below figure.
- As the temperature increases, the amount of gaseous component increases while the quantity of liquid
and char decreases.
- The energy content of Pyrolytic gases is about 26100 KJ/m3 and that of Pyrolytic tar or oil is 23240
KJ/Kg.
- It is the process of chemical conversion where the wastes are heated in oxygen free environment and
hence the organic matter splits due to thermal cracking.
- The gases produced during Pyrolysis are Hydrogen, Methane, Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide.
- Gases are produced at a temperature around 700 ⁰C. Energy produced is 27000 KJ/Ton of waste.
- At a temperature around 500 ⁰C, liquids such as acetic acid, methane and acetone is produced.
- Solid Char consisting of carbon is also produced at per 100 ⁰C. Calorific value around 3000 KJ/Kg.

BIOGAS PRODUCTION
- Anaerobic degradation of agriculture waste, municipal waste, sewage resulting in production of gases
such as CO2, Methane etc.
- Biogas is a renewable energy source produced by the breakdown of organic matter by certain bacteria
under anaerobic conditions. It is a mixture of methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. It can be
produced by agricultural waste, food waste, animal dung, manure, and sewage. The process of biogas
production is also known as anaerobic digestion.
- Biogas recycles the waste products naturally and converts them into useful energy, thereby, preventing
any pollution caused by the waste in the landfills, and cutting down the effect of the toxic chemicals
released from the sewage treatment plants.
- Biogas converts the harmful methane gas produced during decomposition, into less harmful carbon
dioxide gas.
- The organic material decomposes only in a wet environment. The organic matter or the waste dissolves
in water and forms a sludge which is rich in nutrients and used as a fertilizer.
- The biogas production is carried out in anaerobic digesters known as Biogas plant. These have five
components:
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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
 An inlet to feed the slurry
 The fermentation chamber where the biogas is produced with the activity of
microorganisms,
 tank to store the gas produced,
 The outlet for the used slurry,
 The exit pipe for removing the gas produced.
- The organic matter if fed into the digesters which are completely submerged in water to provide it with
an anaerobic environment. These digesters are hence called anaerobic digesters. The microorganisms
breakdown the organic matter and convert it into biogas.
- The biogas thus produced is supplied to the respective places through the exit pipes.
- Methane is a combustible gas, i.e., it can be burnt. This gas is supplied to various places and is used in
cooking and lighting. It is an eco-friendly gas and reduces various environmental problems like, it
reduces the reliance on fossil fuels.

VARIOUS ADVANTAGES OF BIOGAS

- Biogas is renewable energy
- Process of waste to energy conversion basically utilisation of waste.
- Eco friendly (Methane produced is not released to the atmosphere)
- No air pollution and contamination of soil.

VARIOUS DISADVANTAGES OF BIOGAS

- Complex process of Decomposition.
- Skilled manpower required for handling the process.
- If not handled properly then gases are contaminated with impurities and results in Health Hazards.
- Dependant on Temperature (Ideal Temperature is 3700 ⁰C but efficiency lower in winter)
- Artificial heating system is required to raise the temperature and again consume the energy.

LECTURE-28 (22-MAR-2021)

PROCESS OF BIOGAS FORMATION CONSIST OF 4 STEPS

1. HYDROLYSIS
In this process protein, fat and carbohydrate are broken into Amino Acid, fatty Acid and Sugar. It is a first
step of anaerobic fermentation to produce Hydrogen and Acetate which are used by methanogens during
the process. In Hydrolysis complex compound are converted to simple but large compound.

2. ACIDOGENESIS (Example – Clostridiums and Streptococcus)

The Acidogenic microorganisms (Organism that sustain in low PH) perform the degradation/Breakdown of
larger molecules to produce Ammonia, Carbon Dioxide, H2S and Acid Such as Acetic Acid and Butyric
Acid.

3. ACETOGENESIS (Example – Archaebacteria)

It is a process of formation of Acetone due to Acetogens to produce degraded Biomass so that
Methanogens.

4. METHANOGENESIS

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Methanogens convert biomass and gaseous to produce methane.

 CO2 + 4H2 CH4 + 2H2O

 CH3COOH CH4 + CO2

THE TYPICAL COMPOSITION OF BIOGAS

- Biogas is lighter than air
- Odourless
- Colourless gas that burn with blur flame
- It has ignition temperature between 50-750 ⁰C

COMPOSITION OF BIOGAS
- CH2: 50-75 %
- CO2: 25-50 %
- NITROGEN: 0-10 %
- HYDROGEN: 0-1 %
- OXYGEN: 0-2%
- H2S: In Traces
- WATER VAPOUR: In Traces

PROCESS DESIGN PARAMETER

Parameter Detailed/ Characteristics

Digesting Temperature 20 -35 ⁰C
Retention Time 3-40 Days
PH 6–8
C/N Ratio 30:1
Energy Content 6 KWH/M3

GENERAL CHARACTERSTICS
The amount of gas required for cooling purpose is 0.3 – 0.9 m 3 per person per day. 1 Lamp requires 0.1 to 0.15
m3/Hr of gas. It is the amount of biogas required to electrify.

LECTURE-29 (24-MAR-2021)

BIO FUEL
Biofuel, any fuel that is derived from biomass—that is, plant or algae material or animal waste. Since such
feedstock material can be replenished readily, biofuel is considered to be a source of renewable energy, unlike
fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas

VARIOUS ADVANTAGES OF BIOFUEL

1. Efficient Fuel
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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
2. Cost-Benefit
3. Durability of Vehicles’ Engine
4. Easy to Source
5. Renewable
6. Reduce Greenhouse Gases
7. Economic Security
8. Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil
9. Lower Levels of Pollution

VARIOUS DISADVANTAGES OF BIOFUEL

1. High Cost of Production

2. Monoculture
3. Use of Fertilizers
4. Shortage of Food
5. Industrial Pollution
6. Water Use
7. Future Rise in Price
8. Changes in Land Use
9. Global Warming
10. Weather Problem

1. ETHANOL
Ethanol is produced by the derivative of sugar by the process of fermentation.

VARIOUS ADVANTAGES OF ETHANOL

1. It is renewable
2. It reduces the utilization of fossil fuels
3. It emits 15% less green house Gases
4. Since it is cellulose dependant hence wood scraps and other food waste could also being
utilized.

VARIOUS DISADVANTAGES OF ETHANOL

1. Utilization of sugarcane, corn and beat results increase in food demand as a result prices of these
material Increases.
2. Intensive cropping of Ethanol based crop results in soil quality degradation.
3. Compare to gasoline, the mileage of ethanol is 15-30% less.
4. Ethanol is highly corrosive and hence it can damage the engine.

2. BIODIESEL
It is producing from oil producing plant such as Palm tree, Soyabean, and Jathropa

VARIOUS ADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL

1. It is renewable
2. It is Recyclable ( it uses waste cooking oil for producing Biodiesel)
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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
3. It contains no Sulphur and hence less pollution.
4. It Improves the rural economy as farmer are involved in cultivation of oil bearing plants.

VARIOUS DISADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL

1. Biodiesel is more expensive as compared to other petroleum product due to lack of mass scale
production.
2. Biodiesel converts to Gel form in cold temperature.
3. Biodiesel require a separate design for gasoline engine and their applicability is reduced.
4. Biodiesel increases the food cost due to competent market (Similar to Ethanol)

3. METHANOL
- Methanol is the end product in process of biogas production.

NOTE: When short answer question asked then write about methanol and biogas production.

VARIOUS ADVANTAGES OF METHANOL

1. Methanol is cost effective

2. As compared to gasoline, methanol is less flammable and hence it is safe for use.
3. It can be manufactured from multiple carbon based feed stock. (Therefore applicability is very high)
4. Emits lesser sulphur Oxides and Nitrogen Oxides.

VARIOUS DISADVANTAGES OF METHANOL

1. 3 times more methanol is used to produce energy equivalent to gasoline (3L of Methanol = 1L
Gasoline).
2. Wear and Tear of Fuel System is observed
3. Large amount of formaldehyde (CHOH) is obtained from methanol.
4. Methanol can be stored for a maximum time of 3 years beyond the quantity is degraded.

LECTURE-30 (26-MAR-2021)

HYDROGEN FUEL
- Hydrogen is a clean fuel that is produced from water and various other domestic sources such as
biomass and can be used for both transportation and electricity generation
- Hydrogen can be produced through thermal process, electrolysis, solar driven process and biological
process.
- The thermal and Electrolytic process is most common process.

1. THERMAL PROCESS: This process typically involves stem reformation at very high temperature
to produce hydrogen. Many Hydrocarbons containing biomass can produce Hydrogen under high
temperatures. But Hydrogen from steam is the most popular for thermal production.

2. ELECTROLYTIC PROCESS: Water can be separated into Oxygen and Hydrogen through a
process of electrolysis where electric current are passed through water in a electrolytic chamber to
produce Hydrogen and Oxygen.

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3. SOLAR DRIVEN PROCESS: When light is used as a agent to dissociate water into Hydrogen and
Oxygen. Under this photo biological process, Bacteria and Algae produces Hydrogen from water in
the presence of light.
4. THE BIOLOGICAL PROCESS: In the Biological Process, Hydrogen is produced by the
breakdown of organic matter contained in Biomass or water waste due to action of Micro algae and
bacteria. This process is not a sunlight dependent process.

EXAMPLE OF BIOLOGICAL PROCESS AND SOLAR DRIVEN PROCESS

1. ANEBAENA VARIABILLIS is CYANOBACTERIA – Biological Process/Solar Driven Process.

2. RHODOBACTER CAPSULATUS is a PHOTOSYNTHESIS BACTERIA – Solar Driven.

3. CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDII is GREEN ALGAE – Biological Process/ Solar Driven Process.

“WASTE PLASTIC FORR FUEL GENERATION”

- 10000 – 15000 MT Plastic waste is being generated per day. Only 40% is Recycled. Among this PVC
and PET is the major product.

- Pyrolysis is the process used to convert plastic into fuel and it is anaerobic process.

- Plastic is fed into a Pyrolytic chamber through which a condenser is attached to condense the gases so
that Hydrocarbon can be distilled out in the form of liquid fuel. It is generally taking place between 370
-420 ⁰C for Pyrolysis.

PRECAUTION IN PYROLYTIC PROCESS

1. Avoiding Excessive Temperature Variation.

2. Purging (Removing) Oxygen from the Chamber.
3. Careful Condensation to obtain good quality fuel.

LECTURE-31 (31-MAR-2021)

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 WASTE MANAGEMENT – MODULE IV
1. UTILISATION PLASTIC AS A FUEL

TYPES O F PLASTIC

CATEGORY MOISTUR% ASH%

PET
0.7 0.1
Polyethylene terephthalate or poly(ethylene terephthalate)
HDPE
0.3 1.5
High Density Polyethylene
PVC
0.8 0.1
Polyvinyl Chloride
LDPE
0.3 0.4
Low Density Polyethylene
Polypropylene
0.4 1-4
Polystyrene
0.3 0.5

- Polypropylene containing high ash content thus after Pyrolysis, we have to deal with solid waste i.e.
Ash.
- Low moisture content and Low ash content plastic are most suitable.
- Low moisture give high calorific value hence HDPE and LDPE are very much suitable for energy
generation process.
- Pyrolysis are the most ideal process for energy generation but catalyst degradation process are under
process for future degradation.

ADVANTAGES OF PYRO PROCESS INPLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT

- It reduces 90% of the Plastic Waste

- Minimal Air Pollution with traces of air pollution.
- Depending on the ash content, % varies but not Significantly.

CATALYTIC DEGRADATION

- The catalyst lowers the reaction temperature and time and hence efficiency of the system is improved.
- Example: Zeolite, Amorphous Silica & Alumina or Only Silica.

 How to use agricultural waste management.

 Bio Gas formation – Hydrolysis, Acidogenesis, Acetogenesis, Methanogenesis
 Food Waste – Composting.
 Industrial Waste – Plastic Waste Management.
 Bio Fuel – Ethanol, Methanol and Hydrogen.

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