Module 3 IWMSC.docx
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ranjananjadhav12Module 3 IWMSC.docx
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ranjananjadhav12Module-3
Biochemical Processes and Composting
Techniques for Energy Recovery from Waste
Energy can be recovered from the organic fraction of waste (biodegradable as well as
non-biodegradable) through thermal, thermo-chemical and biochemical methods.
A) Anaerobic Digestion/Biomethanation
In this process, the organic fraction of the waste is segregated and fed into a closed container
(biogas digester). In the digester, the segregated waste undergoes biodegradation in presence of
methanogenic bacteria and under anaerobic conditions, producing methane-rich biogas and
effluent. The biogas can be used either for cooking/heating applications, or for generating motive
power or electricity through dual-fuel or gas engines, low-pressure gas turbines, or steam
turbines. The sludge from anaerobic digestion, after stabilization, can be used as a soil
conditioner. It can even be sold as manure depending upon its composition, which is determined
mainly by the composition of the input waste.
● Advantages:
o Suitable for organic waste fraction.
o Produces renewable biogas for electricity or fuel.
o Generates nutrient-rich digestate for agriculture.
● Challenges:
o Requires proper segregation of biodegradable waste.
o Limited scalability in urban settings.
B) Combustion/Incineration
In this process, wastes are directly burned in presence of excess air (oxygen) at high
temperatures (about 800°C), liberating heat energy, inert gases, and ash. Combustion results in
transfer of 65%–80% of heat content of the organic matter to hot air, steam, and hot water. The
steam generated, in turn, can be used in steam turbines to generate power.
Types of Incinerators
1.Fluidized bed incinerators
Fig: Fluidized bed incinerators
2.Rotary Klin incinerator
2.
3. Liquid injection incinerator
C) Pyrolysis/Gasification
Pyrolysis
Gasification can also take place as a result of partial combustion of organic matter in presence of
a restricted quantity of oxygen or air. The gas so produced is known as producer gas. The gases
produced by pyrolysis mainly comprise carbon monoxide (25%), hydrogen and hydrocarbons
(15%), and carbon dioxide and nitrogen (60%). The next step is to ‘clean’ the syngas or producer
gas. Thereafter, the gas is burned in internal combustion (IC) engine generator sets or turbines to
produce electricity.
D) Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF)
● Process: MSW is processed to remove non-combustible materials and improve its
calorific value, resulting in RDF that can be used in industrial furnaces and power plants.
● Advantages:
o Higher energy content compared to raw MSW.
o Can be co-fired with coal in power plants.
o Reduces landfill dependency.
● Challenges:
o Requires extensive pre-treatment and sorting.
o Market demand for RDF is variable.
E) Landfill Gas recovery
The waste dumped in a landfill becomes subjected, over a period of time, to anaerobic
conditions. As a result, its organic fraction slowly volatilizes and decomposes, leading to
production of ‘landfill gas’, which contains a high percentage of methane (about 50%). It can be
used as a source of energy either for direct heating/cooking applications or to generate power
through IC engines or turbines.
● Advantages:
o Utilizes existing landfills.
o Reduces methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
o Generates continuous power supply.
● Challenges:
o Requires proper landfill design and maintenance.
o Gas yield depends on waste composition and age.
Current Issues in Solid Waste Management
Despite advancements in MSW management, several challenges persist in effective
implementation:
1. Inefficient Waste Collection and Segregation
● Poor segregation of waste at the source affects recyclability and energy recovery
potential.
● Many cities lack comprehensive door-to-door collection systems.
2. Insufficient Infrastructure
● Limited availability of waste treatment plants and scientific landfills.
● Open dumping and unregulated landfills contribute to environmental pollution.
3. Environmental and Health Concerns
● Improper disposal of waste leads to groundwater contamination and air pollution.
● Uncontrolled burning of waste releases harmful pollutants.
4. Financial Constraints
● High capital and operational costs for waste processing plants.
● Limited investment in waste-to-energy projects.
5. Policy and Regulatory Gaps
● Need for stringent enforcement of waste management regulations.
● Public-private partnerships (PPP) are essential but face bureaucratic challenges.
MSW Management Status in the First List of 20 Smart Cities
The Smart Cities Mission in India focuses on efficient and sustainable MSW management.
Below is an assessment of MSW initiatives in the first 20 smart cities:
1. Indore - Pioneering in 100% waste segregation and composting, with strong community
participation.
2. Bhopal - Operates a waste-to-energy plant and extensive door-to-door waste collection.
3. Pune - Promotes decentralized waste management and composting at the ward level.
4. Jaipur - Implementing integrated solid waste management solutions.
5. Surat - Effective waste collection, transportation, and material recovery facility setup.
6. Ahmedabad - Waste segregation at source and successful biomethanation projects.
7. Chennai - Expansion of micro-composting centers and dry waste collection centers.
8. Coimbatore - Promotes organic waste composting and biogas generation.
9. Visakhapatnam - Collaborates with private sectors for waste-to-energy projects.
10.Vadodara - Enhances decentralized waste processing and community composting.
11.Nagpur - Strengthening recycling initiatives and landfill rehabilitation.
12.Lucknow - Focused on waste segregation awareness campaigns.
13.Kochi - Implements anaerobic digestion and decentralized waste processing.
14.Bhubaneswar - Emphasizing waste-to-energy projects and citizen engagement.
15.Ludhiana - Investing in RDF production and large-scale composting.
16.Agra - Strengthening collection and transportation networks.
17.Vijayawada - Exploring co-processing of MSW in cement industries.
18.Guwahati - Advocates community-driven waste management.
19.Jabalpur - Established RDF and composting facilities.
20.Udaipur - Expanding decentralized waste treatment plants.