RDF VS Coal Fuel

RDF from MSW can be utilized in other processes than incineration and combustion. Gasification and pyrolysis processes are generally promoted as “greener” alternatives to incineration or energy-from-waste. Via gasification, the energy content of the waste is transformed into a syngas which can be re-used as chemical feedstock or to produce power. On the other hand, in generating electricity thru coal, the coal usually pulverized and then burned in furnace heat converts boiler water to steam which is then used to spin turbines which turn generators and create electricity.

Combustion of coal, like any other compound containing carbon, produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) along with varying amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2) depending on where it was mined. Sulfur dioxide reacts with oxygen to form sulfur trioxide (SO3), which then reacts with water to form Sulfuric Acid. Sulfuric Acid is returned to the Earth as a form of acid rain. Emissions from coal-fired power plants represent the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions, a primary cause of global warming. Since the carbon content of coal is much higher than oil, burning coal is a more serious threat to global temperatures. It also emits twice as much carbon dioxide when compared with natural gas to produce the same level of heat, which increased the levels of harmful greenhouse gases emitted into the earth’s atmosphere.

With the use of RDF it helps us to reduce our dependence in using oil and coal, provides energy and certain recyclables from MSW and minimizes waste from the landfills. In the years coming more companies will continue to refine RDF technologies for operations. RDF will help us reach the goal of having MSW no longer be a wasted resource but a source from which to extract raw materials and energy on our industry.

RDF vs. Coal Fuel

RDF from MSW can be utilized in other processes than incineration and combustion. Gasification and pyrolysis processes are generally promoted as “greener” alternatives to incineration or energy-from-waste. Via gasification, the energy content of the waste is transformed into a syngas which can be re-used as chemical feedstock or to produce power. On the other hand, in generating electricity thru coal, the coal usually pulverized and then burned in furnace heat converts boiler water to steam which is then used to spin turbines which turn generators and create electricity.

Combustion of coal, like any other compound containing carbon, produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) along with varying amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2) depending on where it was mined. Sulfur dioxide reacts with oxygen to form sulfur trioxide (SO3), which then reacts with water to form Sulfuric Acid. Sulfuric Acid is returned to the Earth as a form of acid rain. Emissions from coal-fired power plants represent the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions, a primary cause of global warming. Since the carbon content of coal is much higher than oil, burning coal is a more serious threat to global temperatures. It also emits twice as much carbon dioxide when compared with natural gas to produce the same level of heat, which increased the levels of harmful greenhouse gases emitted into the earth’s atmosphere.

With the use of RDF it helps us to reduce our dependence in using oil and coal, provides energy and certain recyclables from MSW and minimizes waste from the landfills. In the years coming more companies will continue to refine RDF technologies for operations. RDF will help us reach the goal of having MSW no longer be a wasted resource but a source from which to extract raw materials and energy on our industry.