Prediction of Gaseous Products from Refuse Derived Fuel Pyrolysis Using Chemical Modelling Software - Ansys Chemkin-Pro

There can be observed global interest in waste pyrolysis technology due to low costs and availability of raw materials. At the same time, there is a literature gap in forecasting environmental effects of thermal waste treatment installations. In the article was modelled the chemical composition of pyrolysis gas with main focus on the problem in terms of environmental hazards. Not only RDF fuel was analysed, but also selected waste fractions included in its composition. This approach provided comprehensive knowledge about the chemical composition of gaseous pyrolysis products, which is important from the point of view of the heterogeneity of RDF fuel. The main goal of this article was to focus on the utilitarian aspect of the obtained calculation results. Final results can be the basis for estimating ecological effects, both for existing and newly designed installations.
Pyrolysis process was modelled using Ansys Chemkin-Pro software. The investigation of the process were carried out for five different temperatures (700, 750, 800, 850 and 900 °C). As an output the mole fraction of H2, H₂O, CH₄, C₂H₂,C₂H₄, C₃H₆, C₃H₈, CO, CO₂, HCl and H₂S were presented. Additionally the reaction pathways for selected material were presented.
Based on obtained results, it was established that the residence time did not influenced on the concentration of products, contrary to temperature. The chemical composition of pyrolytic gas is closely related to wastes origin. The application of Chemkin-Pro allowed the calculation of formation for each products at different temperatures and formulation of hypotheses on the reaction pathways involved during pyrolysis process. Further, based on the obtained results confirmed the possibilities of using pyrolysis gas from RDF as a substitute for natural gas in energy consumption sectors. Optimization of the process can be conducted with low financial outlays and reliable results by using calculation tools. Moreover it can be predicted negative impact of obtained products on the future installation.