Utilization of spent activated carbon to enhance the combustion efficiency of organic sludge derived fuel

This study examines the heating value and combustion efficiency of organic sludge derived fuel, spent activated carbon derived fuel, and derived fuel from a mixture of organic sludge and spent activated carbon. Spent activated carbon was sampled from an air pollution control device of an incinerator and characterized by XRD, XRF, TG/DTA, and SEM. The spent activated carbon was washed with deionized water and solvent (1 N sulfuric acid) and then processed by the organic sludge derived fuel manufacturing process. After washing, the salt (chloride) and sulfide content could be reduced to 99% and 97%, respectively; in addition the carbon content and heating value were increased. Different ratios of spent activated carbon have been applied to the organic sludge derived fuel to reduce the NOx emission of the combustion.

► Water-washed process was employed as the pre-treatment of spent activated carbon.
► The carbon content and heating value were significantly increased.
► The derived fuel with water-washed spent activated carbon could reduce NOx emission.
► The turning spent activated carbon into derived fuel is an innovative technique.