Biosolids Pellets Marketability as a Supplemental Biomass Fuel

摘要

This paper explores the market potential for thermally dried biosolids generated by the ExeterTownship Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in terms of the 1) major energy markets that areappropriate for use, 2) product specifications for each of the energy markets, and 3) potentialrevenue that could be generated in the energy markets.Potential consumers of Exeter’s biosolids as a fuel source include cement and lime kilns, energygeneration facilities, and large facilities requiring substantial fuel to heat during the wintermonths (large boilers or furnaces). These entities were contacted and interviewed to gauge theirreceptivity to this product and their estimation of its value. Receptivity was generally high andvalue estimations were generally in line with similar products.Product value is measured by the market forces of demand and adherence to marketspecifications. For example, the existing energy market demand for biofuels is not fullydeveloped because the level of support from government incentives for burning biofuels is notestablished. This is an example of market factors that define the value of the product. Marketspecifications require adherence to sufficient energy values and air emission control initiatives.Table 1 depicts the values anticipated as well as product specifications from the energy market.Most potential customers requested demonstrations of the product before a commitment is madeto use the product. Trials are an important tool in marketing as they will show the effectivenessof the product in terms of energy value and the ease to handle/store fuel for the energy market.