Review of biosolids management options and co-incineration of a biosolid-derived fuel

This paper reviews current biosolids management options, and identifies incineration as a promising technology. Incineration is attractive both for volume reduction and energy recovery. Reported emissions from the incineration of biosolids were compared to various regulations to identify the challenges and future direction of biosolids incineration research. Most of the gaseous and metal emissions were lower than existing regulations, or could be met by existing technologies. This paper also presents the results of an experimental study to investigate the potential use of biosolids for co-incineration with wood pellets in a conventional wood pellet stove. Pilot scale combustion tests revealed that co-incineration of 10% biosolids with 90% premium grade wood pellets resulted in successful combustion without any significant degradation of efficiency and emissions.

► Biosolids are considered as a potential substitute for wood pellets. ► Combustion efficiencies and emissions of biosolids and wood pellets are compared. ► Co-incineration using 10% biosolids with 90% wood pellets resulted in successful combustion. ► This combination did not cause any degradation in efficiency and emissions when compared to 100% wood pellets.