Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) is created by using waste converters to shred and dry out municipal solid waste. It is classified as a product of waste-to-energy technology. The most desired feedstock for conversion is the flammable portion of the waste which usually consists of plastics and biodegradable matter. Conversion plants are normally constructed near dumpsites and landfills to have better access to the waste such as faster acquisition and less costly transportation costs. The segment in which the waste is turned into fuel is referred to as the processing facility. A combustion facility may be built next to the processing facility. The former is responsible for transforming the product of the latter into energy.
RDF Processing Methods
Production of Refuse Derived Fuel starts by segregation and sorting of the municipal solid waste. In this stage the non-combustible components are removed since they have no potency of turning into energy. The removed non-combustibles can then be sold immediately. They may also be subjected to treatment first to improve their value. They may also be condensed into pellets, brinks, or logs and reserved for use in other purposes. Compression reduces the amount of space need for the storage and transport of the non-combustibles. The combustible components on the other hand are readied to undergo the next part of the conversion cycle.
The next step is the extraction of the Refuse Derived Fuel from the municipal solid waste. The said process can be performed using any of the three methods of using autoclaves, applying mechanical heat treatment, or utilizing mechanical biological treatment. Pressurized steam treatment may also be used to eliminate or materially mitigate the existence of heavy metals and other hazardous pollutants from the feedstock.
The process may be divided into five stages
1. Preliminary Liberation
2. Size Screening
3. Magnetic Separation
4. Coarse Shredding
5. Refining Separation
RDF End Markets
Electricity Generation is the primary use of Refuse Derived Fuel hence it is also classified as a type of green energy and an asset of the sustainability industry. It is considered as one of the great finds of our time because it can effectively solve both waste and energy dilemmas. It has the power to devour all the solid waste laying in landfills and turn it into useful energy. It is often supplemented by other types of energy sources to supply sufficient amounts of electrical power. Worldwide use of this revolutionary technology is expected to pave the way for the salvation of the environment and the insurance of a sustainable future for the next generations to come.