Energys Associates Ltd

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2008

This project demonstrates the application of a compact Clean Pyrolysis system designed to thermally treat mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) from a small-scale waste generator. The system converts general waste into ash and usable energy through controlled pyrolysis, providing an efficient and environmentally responsible waste-to-energy solution.

The plant is designed for niche and remote applications where waste volumes are limited but environmental compliance and energy recovery remain critical. The unit reaches operating conditions in under one hour from cold start and is capable of continuous operation without shutdown for ash removal.

The Clean Pyrolysis system thermally degrades organic components of municipal solid waste in an oxygen-limited environment. The resulting pyrolysis gases are fully oxidised in a thermal oxidiser, ensuring complete destruction of organics before heat recovery.

Recovered heat is transferred to a waste-heat boiler to produce steam, which is then used to generate electricity via a steam-powered generator. The system provides stable thermal control, high destruction efficiency, and compliance with current and future environmental standards.

• Waste throughput: 150 kg per hour
• Waste type: Mixed municipal solid waste (pre-screened)
• Lower calorific value (wet): 12 MJ/kg
• Moisture content: Up to 50% (as received)
• Average thermal output: ~0.5 MW
• Electrical output: 50 kW (steam-powered generator)

The system is designed to handle bagged or boxed waste with particle sizes below 100 mm, excluding large bulky items and pressurised or volatile materials.

• Waste Diversion & Reduction: Thermally treats approximately 3.6 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day (150 kg/hr), significantly reducing waste volumes sent to landfill.

• Renewable Energy Output: Delivers an average thermal output of approximately 0.5 MWth, with integrated steam generation producing up to 50 kWe for on-site electricity use.

• Environmental Control: Controlled pyrolysis combined with thermal oxidation ensures complete destruction of organic compounds, achieving lower emissions and improved air quality compared to conventional incineration.

• Resource Recovery: Converts waste into usable energy and inert ash, supporting waste minimisation and a more sustainable, circular waste management approach.

*Note (assumptions):

 Waste feedstock: System performance is based on mixed municipal solid waste with an assumed lower calorific value of ~12 MJ/kg (wet basis) and maximum moisture content of 50%, as received.

Feed preparation: Waste is assumed to be pre-screened and size-reduced to below 100 mm, excluding bulky items, pressurised containers, and significant quantities of volatile liquids.

Operating conditions: Throughput, thermal output, and power generation values are based on continuous operation at design capacity under steady-state conditions.

Energy recovery: Electrical output is dependent on waste composition, moisture content, and downstream power utilisation efficiency.

Environmental performance: Emissions performance assumes correct operation of the thermal oxidiser, heat recovery system, and filtration equipment in accordance with design parameters.