Citation:
C. A. Velis, P. J. Longhurst, G. H. Drew, R. Smitha & S. J. T. Pollard, Production and quality assurance of solid recovered fuels using Mechanical-
Biological Treatment (MBT) of waste: a comprehensive assessment, Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, Volume 40, Issue 12, 2010, Pages 979-1105.
Abstract:
The move from disposal-led waste management to resource management demands an
ability to map flows of the properties of waste. Here, we provide a
comprehensive review of how mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) plants, and
the unit processes that comprise them, perform in relation to management of
material flows, while transforming inputs into output fractions. Focus is placed
on the properties relating to the quality of MBT-derived fuels. Quality
management initiatives for refuse-derived fuels (RDF) or solid recovered fuels
(SRF) are reviewed and SRF quality from MBT plants is assessed through a
statistical analysis of published data. This can provide a basis for a targeted
reduction in pollution load from solid MBT outputs and subsequent end-user
emissions. Our analysis, among else, (1) verifies the difficulty of chemical
separation solely by mechanical means; (2) illustrates the trade-off between
achieving a high quality of recoverable outputs and the quantity/properties of
reject material; and (3) indicates that SRF quality could respond to legislative
requirements and market needs, if specific improvements (reduction of Cl, Cu,
and Pb content) are achieved. Further research could enhance the confidence in
the ability of MBT plants to produce a quality-assured SRF suitable for specific
end-users, without contradicting the wider requirement for an overall
sustainable management of resources.