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Processes
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Solid Waste Valorization and Utilization
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Solid Waste Valorization and Utilization

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental and Green Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2024) | Viewed by 5999

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ahmed Elwardany

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21544, Egypt
Interests: biomass; carbonization; torrefaction; gasification
Dr. Mahmoud Omar Amer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Mechanical Engineering, Department, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21544, Egypt
Interests: biomass; gas turbines, carbonization; torrefaction; gasification
Prof. Dr. Kai Yan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
Interests: biomass; clean energy; value-added chemicals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Energy crisis has recently increased. This motivates everyone to look for alternative/renewable energy resources. Moreover, the global interest in controlling the earth’s temperature rise that appears in the wide participation and interst in COP 27 (November 2022, Egypt). Hence, it is aimed in this special issue to focus on the biomass valorization and utilization as a renewable energy resource wih potential energy and environmental impacts.

The special issue focuses on publishing original research papers in the area of Soild Waste Valorization and Utilization. The topics include but not limited to:

  • Biomass characterization
  • Torrefaction
  • Carbonization
  • Fermentation
  • Pyrolysis
  • Gasification
  • Biochar utilization
  • Syngas utilization
  • Biogas utilization

Dr. Ahmed Elwardany
Dr. Mahmoud Omar Amer
Prof. Dr. Kai Yan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomass
  • carbonization
  • gasification
  • torrefaction
  • syngas
  • biofuels
  • pyrolysis

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 3470 KiB  
Article
A Glance at a Sustainable Solution Using Vertical Constructed Wetland Based on Dewatered Drinking-Water Waste Augmented Nanoparticle Composite Substrate for Wastewater Treatment
by Hossam A. Nabwey and Maha A. Tony
Processes 2023, 11(10), 2836; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11102836 - 26 Sep 2023
Viewed by 718
Abstract
The current investigation introduces and demonstrates a credible, economically sound system to remove agrochemical runoff using a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW). DuPont 1179 carbamate insecticide was applied as a simulating greenhouse crop production controller, which resulted in runoff loaded with DuPont 1179. [...] Read more.
The current investigation introduces and demonstrates a credible, economically sound system to remove agrochemical runoff using a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW). DuPont 1179 carbamate insecticide was applied as a simulating greenhouse crop production controller, which resulted in runoff loaded with DuPont 1179. A novel composite of constructed wetland from an alum sludge conjugate magnetite nanoparticle substrate was applied and supported with gravel as a filtration/adsorption bed in a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) system. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) augmented with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to characterize the suggested composite substrate. The experimental data showed VFCW to be significant in eliminating DuPont 1179. The isotherm time was explored at 300 min, which corresponded to complete insecticide removal (100%). The operational parameters were located at the natural pH (6.9) of the solution and room temperature (25 °C). The VFCW column was also investigated at various substrate concentrations ranging from 100% to 40% of the composite material supported by a gravel medium, and the existence of composite at a 75% concentration showed the highest yield. The experimental data verified that the adsorption followed the pseudo second-order adsorption kinetic model. Furthermore, according to the isotherm model results, the scheme followed the Langmuir isotherm model. Thus, the presented study is a promising indicator of the possibility of using alum sludge conjugate nanoparticles for the elimination of agrochemicals from wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Valorization and Utilization)
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15 pages, 1541 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Properties and Potential Uses of Biocarbon from Spent Coffee Grounds: A Comparative Look at Dry and Wet Processing Methods
by Jie Yang, Zeyuan Zhao, Yulin Hu, Lord Abbey, Ivana Cesarino, Ashantha Goonetilleke and Quan He
Processes 2023, 11(7), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11072099 - 13 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1484
Abstract
Coffee is among the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, leading to the annual generation of substantial quantities of spent coffee grounds (SCGs). This study explored the influence of fabrication methods on the properties and potential applications of the resulting biocarbon materials. Dry methods [...] Read more.
Coffee is among the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, leading to the annual generation of substantial quantities of spent coffee grounds (SCGs). This study explored the influence of fabrication methods on the properties and potential applications of the resulting biocarbon materials. Dry methods (torrefaction at 270 °C and slow pyrolysis at 500 °C) and wet methods (hydrothermal carbonization HTC at 210 °C and hydrothermal liquefaction HTL at 270 °C) were employed to fabricate SCG-based biochar and hydrochar, respectively. The carbonization degree followed the order of slow pyrolysis > HTL > HTC ≈ torrefaction, yielding significant differences in energy properties, elemental composition, morphology, and surface functionality. Slow pyrolysis biochar was suitable for energy applications due to a similar fuel ratio as and higher heating value than semianthracite coal. For agricultural applications, SCG biochar produced through dry methods could be utilized to mitigate acidic soil conditions, whereas HTC hydrochar, with its elevated surface area and porosity, could enhance soil microbiological diversity and water-holding capacity, as well as benefit environmental applications such as wastewater remediation. In summary, the findings of this study are anticipated to inform decision-making processes concerning sustainable waste management of SCGs and the exploration of carbon-based materials applications across diverse sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Valorization and Utilization)
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16 pages, 1928 KiB  
Article
A Quantitative Examination of the Efficiency of a Biogas-Based Cooling System in Rural Regions
by Kenan Saka
Processes 2023, 11(7), 1983; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11071983 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 779
Abstract
This study investigates the efficiency of a biogas-powered cooling system through the utilization of energy and exergy calculations. Biogas, which can be generated and stored in small-scale plants as needed, serves as a viable fuel source for absorption cooling systems. The present research [...] Read more.
This study investigates the efficiency of a biogas-powered cooling system through the utilization of energy and exergy calculations. Biogas, which can be generated and stored in small-scale plants as needed, serves as a viable fuel source for absorption cooling systems. The present research focuses on the biogas consumption of a triple-effect absorption cooling system specifically designed to supply a fixed cooling load of 100 kW under varying operational conditions. This study highlights the coefficient of performance and exergetic coefficient of performance values of the system, along with the exergy destruction rates of its individual components, at the optimal temperatures of operation. Furthermore, to determine necessary biogas consumption, this study explores the establishment of dedicated farms for various animal species, ensuring an adequate number of animals for biogas production. The findings reveal a coefficient of performance of 1.78 and an exergetic coefficient of performance of 35.4% at the optimized operating temperatures. The minimum mass flow rate of biogas is determined to be 0.0034 kgs−1, facilitating the operation of the boiler with a methane content of 65%. This study concludes that a total of 290 head of cattle is required to generate the annual biogas consumption necessary for the cooling system. Additionally, the number of the cattle is enough to establish 284 biogas plants in Bursa Province in Türkiye. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Valorization and Utilization)
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27 pages, 7553 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of Pre-Reduction for a New Process of Acid Production from Phosphogypsum by Gas Sulfur Reduction
by Yanxin Chen, Xuyang Fan, Bo Zhao and Leilei Zhang
Processes 2023, 11(3), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11030972 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1068
Abstract
The gas sulfur reduction of phosphogypsum in the acid co-production of sulfoaluminate cement clinker is a new process for treating phosphogypsum. The reduction furnace of this system was studied and analyzed by combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental validation. The effects of [...] Read more.
The gas sulfur reduction of phosphogypsum in the acid co-production of sulfoaluminate cement clinker is a new process for treating phosphogypsum. The reduction furnace of this system was studied and analyzed by combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental validation. The effects of n(CaSO4)/n(S2), particle residence time, and kiln tail flue gas temperature on the performance of the reduction furnace were obtained. A second-order response model based on the response surface methodology was developed using a three-factor Box–Behnken design (BBD). The results show that the comparison error between the simulation and test data of the reduction furnace is acceptable. The above three conditions arranged in order of significance in terms of their effect on the performance of the reduction furnace is n(CaSO4)/n(S2) > particle residence time > kiln tail gas temperature. Finally, by optimizing the response surface model, the predicted optimal operation parameter combination is n(CaSO4)/n(S2) = 3.04, with the particle residence time and flue gas temperature at the kiln end given as 8.90 s and 1265.39 K, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Valorization and Utilization)
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17 pages, 2649 KiB  
Article
Specifics of Electrostatic Precipitation of Fly Ash from Small-Scale Fossil Fuel Combustion
by Oleksandr Molchanov, Kamil Krpec, Jiří Horák, Tadeaš Ochodek, Milan Dej, Lenka Kubonová, František Hopan and Jiří Ryšavý
Processes 2023, 11(3), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11030808 - 08 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1264
Abstract
This paper investigates the removal efficiency of a honeycomb electrostatic precipitator (ESP) applied to control particulate matter (PM) emissions from a small-scale boiler with combustion lignite and hard coal. The specifics of the precipitation of emissions from small-scale boilers are discussed, and the [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the removal efficiency of a honeycomb electrostatic precipitator (ESP) applied to control particulate matter (PM) emissions from a small-scale boiler with combustion lignite and hard coal. The specifics of the precipitation of emissions from small-scale boilers are discussed, and the design principles for relevant ESPs are presented and used. The ion-induced nucleation of sulfuric acid occurred, causing the drastic penetration of 19 nm particles through the ESP. Despite this, the overall collection efficiency was sufficient to meet the EU’s Ecodesign Directive requirements. Back corona was not detected. The optimal ESP performance is defined with further parameters: a current density of 0.5 mA/m2 at an electric field strength of about 2.7 × 105 V/m; a minimal specific collecting area of ESP (SCA) of 60 m2/(m3/s); and Nt-product of 4.5 × 1014 s/m3. Such parameters of ESPs should ensure adequate PM emissions control for any type of boiler with similar emissions characteristics. The composition of collected fly ash particles was analysed, and a method for fly ash utilisation was proposed. This research may be helpful for designing ESPs to control PM emissions for small-scale units with fossil fuel combustion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Valorization and Utilization)
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