Results on the implementation of an innovative dehydrated biological waste to ethanol management scheme

Abstract

The results of the 2 years of operation of a dehydrated biological waste to ethanol management and treatment scheme are presented within the context of this work. This state-of-the-art and innovative biological waste management scheme was implemented in two major Greek Municipalities. The purity level of the incoming material was almost 100% w/w (99.99% w/w), while a significant variation in the biological waste material properties has also been recorded not only between seasons but also on a yearly basis. The results also revealed that the average energy consumption of the waste dryer was found to be 0.9 kW h/kg, while it ranged between 0.89 and 0.91 kW h/kg. The mass reduction achieved was 82% w/w, while the maximum ethanol production without the use of further additives was 11.5% w/w which is considered to be a worth to further optimize performance. The use of commercialized enzyme products under specific conditions has revealed that almost 90% w/w of the starch, 50% and 40% w/w of the cellulose and hemicellulose, respectively, have the potential to be converted into sugars in order to be further treated for ethanol production.