Co-firing waste materials in an advanced pressurized fluidized-bed combustor

A study has been undertaken to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of co-firing a pressurized fluidized-bed combustor (PFBC) with coal and municipal or industrial wastes. Focus was placed on the production of electricity and the efficient disposal of wastes for application in a central power station and distributed locations. Wastes considered for co-firing include municipal solid waste (MSW), municipal sewage sludge, and industrial de-inking sludge. Issues concerning waste material preparation and feed, PFBC operation, plant emissions, and regulations are addressed. This paper describes the results of the performance evaluation completed as part of this study, and provides recommendations for further evaluation.