Preparation of Different Refused Derived Fuel Combinations with Domestc Sewage Sludge to Enhance Gross Calorific Value
Arifa Tahir *
Department of Environmental Science, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
Hina Ikram
Department of Environmental Science, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
Shahid Raza
Department of Biotechnology, University of South Asia, Lahore, Pakistan
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to maximize the resource value. The need to minimize disposal has prompted efforts within sewage sludge management to utilize sewage sludge as a commodity. The present study describes the refused derive fuel preparations from sewage sludge for sustainable management of sewage sludge. For the production of energy, Proximate and ultimate analyses of domestic sewage sludge were conducted. Many parameters were analyzed for the energy production from domestic sewage sludge. These parameters included moisture content, volatile matter, Ash content, fix carbon content, gross calorific value (GCV). Different RDF combinations with sewage sludge were made and their gross calorific values were assessed. The highest GCV (6790 Btu/Ib, 32.1±55.6) was obtained by RDF combination comprising sewage sludge, saw dust, oil and polythene, it was considered as best RDF combination with heating value equal to rice husk so it can be used as an alternative fuel in industry. It was concluded from this study that the environmental risks can be reduced by sustainable management of sludge and it has also a great potential as an alternative energy resource.
Keywords: RDF, sewage sludge, bio fertilizer, fix carbon content, gross calorific value