SOLID-WASTE PYROLYSIS IN A PILOT-SCALE BATCH PYROLYZER

The pyrolysis of different solid wastes was studied with a pilot-scale batch pyrolyser at different temperatures, fuel/air ratios and reacti on times. The temperature distributions of the pyrolyser under control conditions and in the pyrolysis runs were determined. The gas and cha r yields were determined and the evolved gases analysed. The SO2 and N Ox emissions were low, 8-70 and 0-20 ppmv respectively, even in the py rolysis of high-sulfur materials. The main combustible component of th e pyrogas was acetylene (5-15 vol.%). Significant levels of methane an d carbon monoxide, typically 3-10 and 2-5 vol.% respectively, were als o found. The concentrations of higher hydrocarbons in the gas phase we re very low (< 0.5 vol.%). The heating value of the pyrogas was 8-11 a nd 5.3-5.6 MJ m(-3) for furniture waste and scrap tyre pyrolysis respe ctively. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.