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The feasibility of solar assisted pyrolysis of sewer sludge and its potential for CO2 emissions reductions

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  • Eldredge, T.V.

Abstract

This paper proposes using solar energy to facilitate pyrolysis of sewer sludge with a solar PTC (parabolic trough collector). Analysis of the proposed process resulted in predicting significant reductions in both electricity requirements and CO2 emissions over conventional methods of sewer sludge processing and disposal. The predicted CO2 reductions result from using carbon neutral pyrolysis gas to replace fossil fuels, and from energy savings associated with wastewater sludge processing. Steam was chosen as the pyrolysis medium based on availability, cost, and its lower overall energy demand. Although kinetic data is not available for sludge pyrolysis using steam, the available literature suggests that using steam is feasible and the pyrolysis kinetics may be similar, to those using nitrogen. The technical feasibility of using a solar trough collector for pyrolysis of sewer sludge was evaluated using a one-dimensional model. The model suggests that using steam as a pyrolysis medium has significant thermal benefits. The receiver tube emissivity was found to have a substantial effect on both the PTC reactor thermal efficiency and the maximum achievable pyrolysis temperature. The findings suggest that the proposed process for sewer sludge pyrolysis is technically feasible and merits further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Eldredge, T.V., 2021. "The feasibility of solar assisted pyrolysis of sewer sludge and its potential for CO2 emissions reductions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:226:y:2021:i:c:s0360544221005454
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.120296
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