Alternative fuels production and properties characterization using food industry waste to energy conversion

The paper presents a new approach on organic waste valorization using in-situ thermo-chemical processing for derived fuel generation as added value products. The experimental campaign using food industry residues and primary feedstock revealed the possibility of producing solid, liquid and gaseous fuels for energy sector aiming for distributed small and medium power generation applications. The specific energy content of the new fuels ranged from 6 to 16 MJ/kg (for the solid product) and from 28 to 35 MJ/kg (for the liquid product). Pyrolysis processing was applied as subsequent stage of pyrogasification conversion using different operating parameters under configurations that can be easily replicated at industrial scale. Processing temperature ranged between 300°C and 600°C ensuring the feedstock complete conversion and minimum process energy consumption. The influence of operating parameters on reaction products physical-chemical properties was quantified with respect to: pH, conductivity, elemental composition, specific energy content and pollutant components. The influence of processing temperature on the elemental composition of reaction products was observed. Carbon and ash content in the solid derived fuel was determined along with Oxygen, Nitrogen, Sulphur and other components. The results proved that a disposable organic residue characterized by increasing production rate worldwide can be converted into derived quality fuels by non-oxidant thermal processing and furthermore used in small-medium power generation units.