Browsing by Author "Beik, Farhad"
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Item Open Access Development and prototype testing of a novel small-scale pyrolysis system for the treatment of sanitary sludge(Elsevier, 2022-12-31) Beik, Farhad; Williams, Leon; Brown, Tim; Wagland, Stuart T.An innovative twin auger pyrolysis reactor for the intermediate conversion of partially wet sanitary faecal sludge generated on train toilets (mobile applications) is designed and successfully commissioned. The effects of operating temperature, feedstock feeding rates and moisture content and their interaction on the distribution and properties of product biofuels with the use of no carrier gas were assessed. Approximate yields of 50 %, 40 % and 10 % were observed for the biooil, syngas and biochar respectively at 500 °C. Meanwhile, the highest calorific value (HHV) of the syngas did not exceed 10 MJ/Nm3. Acidic compounds (10 % RPA) and nitrogen-containing hydrocarbons (18 % RPA) substituted the abundant species in biooil fraction at 500 °C with the lowest feed volumes of feedstock. Biochar presented the highest fixed carbon (58 %) and ash content (37 %) upon higher operating temperatures for the minimum and maximum volumes of feedstock. Interestingly, the retention of inorganics within the structure of char were observed. Meanwhile, the calorific value of the biochar reduced due to intensive reduction reactions at higher temperatures ranging to a minimum of 19 MJ/kg. Effects of reactor design and configuration on the pyrolytic products are discussed accordingly and further implications are provided. Overall, extensive further research for the end-use of pyrolytic products and the investigation of emissions, upon energy recovery or land-application of by-products are suggested.Item Open Access Managing non-sewered human waste using thermochemical waste treatment technologies: a review(MDPI, 2021-11-17) Beik, Farhad; Williams, Leon; Brown, Tim; Wagland, Stuart T.The utilisation of micro-scale thermal treatment technologies for non-sewered applications has been emerging as a prominent route for the safe treatment and disposal of high water content hazardous feedstock. This study provides a comprehensive review of the technological concepts practiced up to date in commercial/pilot and small scales for various types of solid fuels. The respective challenges are critically described and discussed to aid in the selection of promising technology for on-site sanitary applications. Furthermore, the challenges observed with the nominated (pyrolysis) technology are discussed in detail and addressed. This study suggests rapid energy recovery from by-products primarily made up of the highest yield of syngas with a desirable calorific value. The optimum operating ranges are discussed to ensure a reliable thermal conversion of sludge materials considering the application constraints and technology drawbacks. However, further studies are needed to investigate the uncertainties regarding emissions, energy consumption and overall associated costs.