Production and Use of Densified Refuse-Derived Fuel (DRDF) in Military Central Heating and Power Plants

摘要

This study appraises the state of the art of production and use of densified refuse-derived fuel (DRDF) in military-scale (25 to 200 MBtu per hour) central heating and power plants. It found that few performance and economic data exist for military-scale DRDF production unit operations. Although theoretical modeling of some operations (shredding, air classifying, pelleting) is generally well developed, field verification of the models is beleaguered by continued alterations of in-place equipment design to improve performance, lack of a uniform method to characterize refuse input to processes, and absence of an industry-wide commitment to monitor equipment performance. Although nearly two dozen DRDF tests have been conducted, they have been short-term experiments that have not followed the scientific method and have been inconclusive regarding long-term DRDF use in military heating and power plants. As a result, proper and realistic specification of DRDF for military procurement cannot be made. The study also found that lack of operating data, standard analytical procedures, and experience in military-scale DRDF systems engenders high risk in their implementation at present. The study found that proper management and disposal of byproducts and potential environmental pollutants from DRDF production and use can be achieved with available technology, but that the costs of control are significant.