RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Measurement and temperature prediction from ash disposed in landfills using a quasi-adiabatic flow reactor
Narode, A., Hao, Z., Pourghaz, M., Ducoste, J., & Barlaz, M. (2024). Measurement and temperature prediction from ash disposed in landfills using a quasi-adiabatic flow reactor. Environmental Science & Technology, 4(6), 1444-1453. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestengg.4c00023
Models that describe heat accumulation in landfills show that ash hydration and carbonation can be a significant source of heat. Ash contains CaO and Ca(OH)2 as well as other oxides and hydroxides that undergo hydration and carbonation reactions. However, there is no data on heat evolution from ash under landfill conditions to parametrize heat accumulation models. The objective of this study was to develop and demonstrate a quasi-adiabatic reactor to measure heat generation from ash under landfill conditions. The reactor method was validated with CaO and Ca(OH)2 and then demonstrated for 6 coal ash and 6 municipal solid waste (MSW) ash samples. Heat recovery in the reactors was ∼104.5% and 106% of theoretical for CaO hydration and Ca(OH)2 carbonation, respectively. The heat generation potential of the ashes varied from 11 to 583 and 78 to 297 J g–1 for coal and MSW, respectively. The wide range demonstrated the uniqueness of each ash. Using the measured rate and extent of heat generation, model simulations showed an insignificant effect on landfill temperatures at 10% ash for most samples, while at 20% ash, two of the coal ashes resulted in predicted temperature increases of 51 and 71 °C relative to the burial of MSW only.