This study developed a Biomass and Oil sludge Fuel (BOF) by mixing sewage sludge with oil sludge and peat moss to overcome the limitations of sewage sludge treatment caused by the reduced operation of thermal power plants and to enhance its value as a...
This study developed a Biomass and Oil sludge Fuel (BOF) by mixing sewage sludge with oil sludge and peat moss to overcome the limitations of sewage sludge treatment caused by the reduced operation of thermal power plants and to enhance its value as an energy resource. The study selected sewage sludge alone, conventional Solid Refuse Fuel (SRF) based on plastics (PE, PET), and BOF mixed with oil sludge (Tar) as research subjects to compare and analyze their combustion characteristics.
The TGA/DTG (Thermogravimetric Analysis/Derivative Thermogravimetry) analysis conducted to investigate the thermal behavior of the fuels revealed that while conventional SRF showed a rapid weight loss in the 450–470°C range, BOF exhibited a gentle decomposition curve over a wide temperature range, confirming that the combustion reaction continued stably. In particular, the high volatile matter and calorific value of oil sludge acted as a combustion aid for recalcitrant substances, significantly improving combustion efficiency.
According to the flue gas analysis in an actual combustion environment (850°C), BOF showed significantly lower carbon monoxide (CO) emissions compared to the control group (anthracite) or conventional SRF. This is attributed to the fact that oil sludge maintained the combustion temperature and promoted complete combustion, thereby effectively inhibiting the generation of pollutants caused by incomplete combustion.
In conclusion, this study empirically demonstrated that BOF, a mixture of sewage sludge and oil sludge, is an effective alternative fuel that can compensate for the combustion instability of existing SRF and reduce air pollutants. Future research is needed to derive optimal operating conditions according to various mixing ratios and to evaluate long-term combustion stability for commercialization.