Research developments

Axion Polymers invests in lab facilities to boost SRF quality

Axion Polymers, Salford, U.K., has invested in new laboratory and testing facilities to ensure consistent quality of its solid recovered fuel (SRF) products and to satisfy the stringent standards of its end markets.

It has installed a laboratory-scale furnace unit at its Shredder Waste Advanced Processing Plant (SWAPP) in Trafford Park, U.K. to enhance accurate measurement and testing of the physical and thermal properties of its Axfuel SRF 30, an alternative environmental high-energy fuel.

Axion has also recruited a quality control team working within ISO 9001 operating procedures to conduct in-house product testing, including analysis on critical aspects such as SRF calorific value and chemical composition. Samples are sent on a weekly basis to external laboratories for further testing and verification.

Derived from automotive shredder residue, Axfuel SRF 30 is a sub-30-millimeter-sized (1.18-inch) mixture of textiles, fiber fluff, plastic, foam and rubber, with a calorific value (gross) of 18-22 mega joule per kilogram (7.7-9.4 British thermal units per pound) and available in large tonnages.

Roger Morton, Axion director, explains, “We have made this important investment because alternative fuels from waste need to be treated as a product, not as a waste. If SRF is to deliver the fuel benefit and meet the technically demanding specifications of our end markets, it has to be of consistently high quality so customers can buy with confidence.”

He continues, “By operating within strict quality controls, we can ensure our reliable supply of SRF is produced to exceptionally high standards. As this fuel is sourced from end-of-life vehicles, giving it a second life as an alternative high-energy feed is going to be an attractive option for companies who want to demonstrate their environmental credentials.”

Axion Polymers is part of the Axion Group that develops and operates resource recovery and processing solutions for recycling waste materials. The group works with a wide range of clients within the recycling and process industries on the practical development of new processing and collection methods.

More information is available at www.axionpolymers.com.

EREF publishes reports on the use of MSW

The not-for-profit Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) has published two reports, both resulting from its Internal Research Program (IRP).

The reports are “Using Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) as a Biofuel Feedstock” and “Anaerobic Digestion of MSW: Report on the State of Practice.”

The IRP was developed as part of EREF’s effort to expand its mission to advance knowledge and education for sustainable solid waste management.

“The primary objective of the IRP is to aggregate and analyze solid waste data,” explains Dr. Bryan Staley, EREF president and CEO. “The program also provides valuable experience to undergraduate and graduate students who assist in data gathering and analysis.”

“Using Municipal Solid Waste as a Biofuel Feedstock,” utilizes a life-cycle assessment model of biofuel production using MSW to assess the environmental impacts associated with MSW conversion via landfill gas to energy, waste to energy and gasification and explores how current infrastructure could be used to support an MSW-to-biofuels industry. The project was conducted in partnership with North Carolina State University and Maverick Biofuels, with funding provided by the Biofuels Center of North Carolina. This free report includes detailed summaries of waste conversion processes, a comparison of environmental impacts of waste conversion systems, a case study of current waste management infrastructure, estimates of biofuel production potential and key observations regarding siting and feedstock for biofuel production.

“Anaerobic Digestion of MSW: Report on the State of Practice,” summarizes the use of anaerobic digestion (AD) to manage MSW organics in the United States and includes analysis of original data based on a comprehensive nationwide facility survey conducted by EREF. The report includes detailed discussion of digester microbiology and process characteristics; current technologies and reactor designs; the number and types of AD facilities managing MSW; tonnage, capacity and growth through 2017; biogas production, management and energy generation; and state, local and corporate organics management policies. The report also includes lists of vendors and information on commercial reactor designs and facilities. This inaugural report is being offered at a discounted price of $72 per copy, less than half the price of comparable data reports, EREF says.

Proceeds from report sales are used to support internships for college students who gain valuable experience in the field while working toward their degrees.

More information on EREF’s IRP projects and how to obtain these reports can be found at www.erefdn.org/internalresearch.