Comparison of temperature and oxygen concentration driven aeration methods for biodrying of municipal solid waste

Abstract

In this study, we used a model bio drying reactor to optimize the drying of municipal solid waste (MSW). Two methods of aeration were used: one involved controlling the concentration of oxygen (16–20%) and the other the temperature in the upper part of the reactor (temperature 42–45 °C, oxygen concentration 16– 20%). In terms of moisture content, the highest increase recorded was 0.94% and the highest decrease was 27.54%. The highest decrease in lower calorific value recorded was 9.23% and the highest increase was 41.12%. The energy balance in all the trial runs was positive. We noted that aeration using different concentrations of oxygen is strongly influenced by organic content. Thus, it is suitable only for drying wastes with known and stable compositions. The outcomes of the different methods used were influenced by ambient relative air humidity. Moisture gradients, which are often described in the literature, were not consistently reproduced in this study.