Microwave Technology - Alternative Waste Technology?

Authors: Angkhana Klongkarn and Maria Alejandra Espinoza, ISWA, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Many articles say that microwave technology is a simple and flexible processing method for reducing of waste volume with ability to separate the valuable materials. Moreover, it is an energy efficient alternative of waste processing.

Until now, there is not much case studies in this topics but still some institute has worked on microwave technology. Two case studies may be tempted to anyone who would like to develop and participate in this fields.

Developing high power microwave processing as an effective technology for the thermal conversion of BMW, University of Nottingham , UK

High power microwave processing is a flexible technology and potentially has the capability of giving much higher throughputs (much smaller plant footprints) than the current generation of thermo-chemical conversion processes being considered for Biological Municipal Waste (BMW). Further, microwave heating has the potential to generate more useful and valuable products than these processes, in particular charcoal-like residues which can, subject to the correct economics, regulatory approval and controls, be used as a renewable feedstock in cocombustion with coal.

The aim of the proposed research programme is to develop a fundamental understanding of the interaction of high power microwave energy with BMW. This knowledge will then be applied to design, construct and operate a Process Development Unit (PDU) which will continuously convert BMW to primarily solid and gaseous fuels. Data and knowledge acquired through this trial will contribute to forthcoming development of demonstration plants, which may be operational within the next 5 years.

For more information please contact Dr. John Robinson, Research Fellow, University of Nottingham, UK, John.P.Robinson@nottingham.ac.uk.

For information on the role of new waste technologies in diverting biodegradable waste from landfill, contact the

New Technologies Supporter Programme.

Helpline: 0870 240 9894

Email: Wastetech@enviros.com

Microwaving waste in Malaysia

In Malaysia, approximately 70 million tones of organic wastes are generated annually as municipal solid wastes, agricultural residues, animal wastes, sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plant and wood chips. 

                                                            
A research group at the Department of Chemistry, University Malaysia Sarawak, has designed a laboratory scale microwave pyrolysis system through modification of laboratory microwave oven. The aim is to conduct chemical characterisation of the waste samples and their microwave pyrolysis products, and to optimise the microwave pyrolysis processes for optimum biofuel yield which is environmentally acceptable. The main focus is to develop an efficient, simple and low-temperature based process for converting organic wastes into useful renewable energy sources.

Preliminary studies on low-temperature microwave pyrolysis of sewage sludge suggest a fuel material potential, comparable to the lower grade coal.It is hoped that data gathered in this study will provide useful information on the microwave pyrolysis of organic wastes and the potential use of the process as an alternative for the reutilisation of wastes, which at the same time produce renewable energy sources for industries in Malaysia.

For more information please contact:

Resni Mona

www.unimas.my
www.researchsea.com

The latest development in the microwave technology has not yet been extensive. Published information on microwave technology design and process is still lacking.

If you would like to contribute an article about a subject related to the microwave technology for sustainable solid waste management, please do not hesitate to share your articles with our WasteNet readers at:

waste.net@t-online.de

Angkhana Klongkarn and Maria Alejandra Espinoza, ISWA, University of Stuttgart, Germany.