Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)


RDF is a type of fuel that can be used as an alternative fossil fuel. It is created by processing different types of refuse, including municipal solid waste (MSW), construction and demolition waste (C&D), and industrial waste.

Refuse derived fuel is a fuel produced from various types of waste, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Industrial Waste or commercial waste. Refuse Derived Fuel makes environmental and economic sense to collect materials that can be economically and practicably recycled, and make use of the combustible residual waste as a potential source of fuel.

Selected waste by-products with calorific value selected waste and by-products with recoverable calorific value can be used as fuels in a cement kiln, replacing a portion of conventional fossil fuel, like coal, if they meet strict specifications. Sometimes they can only be used after pre-processing to provide ‘tailor-made’ fuels for the cement process.


What type of Material Produced?

RDF consists largely of combustible components of such waste, as non-recyclable plastics, paper cardboard, labels and generally ‘corrugative’ materials. The variety of materials able to be processed and turned into Refuse Derived Fuel means that this practice poses huge environmental benefits, as less and less fossil fuels will be required in coal fired power plants, lime plants or cement plants.

Firstly, the waste is sorted and any non-combustible materials, such as glass and metal, are removed. Metals are extracted using a magnet, while mechanical screening is used to remove the glass.

The waste items are then separated according to weight. Heavy materials are discarded as they have a lower calorific value and therefore won’t burn well. The remaining, lighter materials with high calorific value will be used for RDF.

Uses:
  • RDF can produce electricity in power plants. The waste is burned, and the heat generates steam. The steam turns into a turbine, which produces electricity.
  • RDF can also produce heat. The waste is burned, and the heat generates steam. The steam can then be used to heat buildings or for other purposes.
  • RDF can make cement. Waste is burned, and the resulting ash produces cement.
  • RDF can act as an alternative to fossil fuels, which are non-renewable resources that produce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • RDF is used for cement kilns and plasma arc gasification modules and in pyrolysis plants.

    • What are the advantages of RDF?

  • RDF helps to offset fossil fuel consumption by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This can help to mitigate climate change and carbon emissions.
  • RDF can help to ensure access to essential energy resources. This makes it a necessary resource for countries that depend on imports for their energy needs.
  • RDF reduces the need for new landfill space to dispose of trash. This helps to protect the environment and promote sustainable waste management practices.