Integrated Management of Solid Wastes for New York City

This report presents the results of a study that examined alternatives to landfilling the municipal solid wastes (MSW) of New York City. Detailed characterization of the wastes led to their classification, according to materials properties and inherent value, to “recyclable”, “compostable”, “combustible”, and “landfillable”. The results showed that the present rates of recycling (16.6%) and combustion (12.4%) in New York City can be increased by a) implementing an automated, modern Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) that separates the blue bag stream to “recyclables” and “combustibles”, and b) combusting the non-recyclable materials in a Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility. Combustion of wastes to produce electricity is environmentally much preferable to landfilling. An advanced technology for combustion is that used in a modern Waste-to-Energy plant (SEMASS, Massachusetts) that processes 0.9 million metric tons of MSW per year, generates a net of 610 kWh per metric ton of MSW, recovers ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and has lower emissions than many coal-fired power plants.

Tipping Floor Safety at American Ref-Fuel

Across the industry the tipping floor is considered to be one of the most hazardous areas of the facility. Just the fact that there may be twenty different waste hauling drivers with their own agenda in one area can lead to potential hazards. Across the industry there have been driver deaths that have occurred due to the drivers wandering away from their trucks or reentering the floor without notifying the tipping floor attendants.

APC Retrofits and Technologies Lower Emissions and Optimize WTE Production

Air pollution control (APC) systems in waste-to-energy (WTE) plants are facing many of the same challenges that independent power facilities (IPP) have dealt with for years. The most prevalent problems being corrosion and emissions. An IPP plant in the southeastern U.S. illustrates the cause and effect that corrosion played in the plant’s operation, as well as the engineered solution designed to address the issue. The result has performed beyond expectations and lends itself well to the same issues in the WTE plants. The paper also provides information regarding the conversion of the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) to a fabric filter baghouse. By utilizing the existing housing of an ESP, a higher particulate collection efficiency can be achieved at a fraction of the capital cost. Finally, the paper discusses filter changeout to filter bags laminated with highly efficient expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane. This media change addresses the demanding environmental regulations the industry faces, as well as providing benefits to the WTE APC system such as superior cleandown, increased airflows, and extended filter life. The ultimate results of these three technologies can help decrease maintenance time and cost and increase WTE facility production.

Detecting Sources of Ionizing Radiation in the Waste Stream

Why is the detection of radioactive sources important to the solid waste industry?: Radioactive material is used extensively in the United States in research, medicine, education, and industry for the benefit of society (e.g. smoke detectors, industrial process gauges, medical diagnosis/treatment). Generally speaking, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state governments regulate the use and disposal of radioactive materials. Licensed radioactive waste disposal facilities receive the bulk of the waste generated in the United States with exceptions for low-level waste (e.g. medical patient waste) that may be disposed of as municipal waste. According to the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc (CRCPD)., there has been an increasing number of incidence involving the detection of prohibited radioactive wastes at solid waste management facilities. While the CRCPD acknowledges that the increased incidence may be partially attributed to the growing number of solid waste facilities that have detection systems, undetected sources of ionizing radiation can harm the environment, have a negative impact on employee health and safety, and result in significant remedial actions. Implementing an effective detection/response plan can aid in the proper management of radioactive waste and serve to minimize the potential for negative outcomes.

Computerized Realtime X-Ray Inspection of Consumer Waste Product for Hazardous Materials

This presentation describes the design and manufacture of a computer controlled x-ray scanning system for the fully automated inspection of waste for hazardous materials. Of particular importance was the necessity to accurately detect various sizes of propane tanks and large heavy metal objects. In addition, rejects had to be accurately identified and each image saved for archival requirements. The equipment utilized, material handling, software development and implementation is detailed herein. The problems of establishing a stable image in a harsh environment required ruggedizing all of the components as well as positive pressure air delivery and air conditioning of the computer and related electronic enclosures. The use of commercially available equipment and latest detector technology were utilized as much as possible to reduce costs and to provide a reliable low maintenance system that also included the ability to conduct diagnostics and software upgrades remotely via computer.

Advancing Waste to Energy Technology Design and Performance of EPI Fluidized Bed RDF-Fired Power Plants Worldwide

Energy Products of Idaho has designed and installed numerous waste to energy systems in the United States and Europe, with others currently under development. Among the latest are a number of installations in operation and/or construction in Italy. The systems design have undergone some changes over time to stay ahead of changing regulations performance requirements.

Boiler Rebuild and Upgraded Design for Pinellas County MSW

This paper discusses the Boiler Rebuild and Upgraded design features of the Pinellas County Solid Waste Recovery Plant located in Pinellas County, Florida. The Pinellas County Solid Waste Recovery plant consists of three 1000 Tons/Day Bulk Refuse fired boilers each designed to generate a nominal 250,000 lbs. of steam per hour (pph), at 750° F/615 psig. The boilers have been in operation since the early 1980’s and had come to the end of their reliability life. Based on the previous years of operating experience, specific areas of improvement were established. Desired improvements included; reduce tube bundle fouling, increase the length of time between the off-line cleaning cycles, reduce economizer exit gas temperature and increase steam capacity while achieving unit design steam conditions. Design options were evaluated using a computerized heat transfer mathematical model calibrated to the current level of boiler performance. The model enabled design modifications to be evaluated and optimized with respect to performance, maintenance and cost. Considering both the performance and maintainability allowed the design team to make a final evaluation and design selection that provided the greatest value over a long-term period. The unit was designed, fabricated and erected within an 18-month schedule. Performance and optimization testing was accomplished 8 weeks after start-up. The unit has met all of its performance guarantees and is fully operational.

Pinellas County Resource Recovery Facility Capital Replacement Project

Pinellas County has completed the first two phases of a four-phase project intended to preserve the life of the Pinellas County Resource Recovery Facility (PCRRF) for years to come. This project, called the Capital Replacement Project (CRP), is designed to restore key portions of the County’s investment, and prepare the facility for a smooth transition to a new operating contract when the current term expires in 2007. By the end of 2004, with the scheduled completion of the CRP project, key plant systems and components are expected to be in robust condition and capable of many years of additional service.

Evaluation of Methods and Protocols for Operation of a CERMS at a Municipal Waste Combustor

Regional Waste Systems (RWS) evaluated protocols and methods for operation of a continuous emission rate monitoring system (CERMS) for its municipal waste combustor (MWC) located in Portland, Maine. This continuous measurement of mass emissions (lb/hr) would be in addition to the existing continuous monitoring of the concentration (ppm) of NOx, SO2, and CO emissions using a continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS) as required of RWS and all other MWC facilities under federal and state rules. The study of CERMS protocols and methods identified the individual components required for a CERMS, evaluated existing methods of measuring MWC unit load and of ensuring “good combustion”, identified and evaluated the existing continuous monitoring regulatory requirements for MWCs and other major sources, evaluated the state of the practice for the use of CERMS, evaluated CERMS data quality, and identified and evaluated existing protocols for CERMS. Finally, a protocol was developed for trial operation of the CERMS considering the above evaluations.

Dealing With Residual Wastes at the Lancaster County Resource Recovery Facility

The Lancaster County Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) is a 1,200 ton per day mass burn waste-to-energy plant that has been in operation since 1991. The plant is owned by the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA), but is operated for the Authority by Covanta Lancaster. During the initial years of operation, only municipal solid wastes (MSW) were combusted. The picture has changed dramatically, however, since those early days. The RRF has successfully processed hundreds of different residual waste streams since 1994. The list of residuals processed at the RRF is impressive: over-the-counter and bulk pharmaceuticals; off-spec toothpaste in cubic-yard totes; virgin oily debris; ink waste in fiber and steel drums; industrial waste waters; and confidential documents and controlled substances from local law enforcement agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This paper describes how residual wastes are managed at the facility, including a discussion of waste inspection activities on the tipping floor, and a description of the various methods by which these materials are fed to the boilers.