Temperature development in a modern municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash landfill with regard to sustainable waste management

Municipal solid waste is treated in incineration plants to reduce the volume, the toxicity and the reactivity of the waste. The final product, municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash, was considered as a material with a low reactivity, which can safely be deposited in a MSWI bottom ash landfill, or which can be used, e.g. in road construction after further treatment. However, temperature measurements in MSWI bottom ash landfills showed temperatures up to 90 degrees C, caused by exothermic reactions within the landfill. Such high temperatures may affect the stability of the flexible polymer membrane liner (FML) and may also lead to an accelerated desiccation of the clay barrier. At the beginning of this study it was uncertain whether those reported results would be applicable to modern landfills, because the treatment techniques in MSWI and landfills have changed, bottom and fly ash are stored separately, and the composition of the incinerated waste has changed significantly since the publication of those results.The aim of this study was to gain detailed knowledge of temperature development under standard disposal conditions in relation to the rate of ash disposal, the variation of layer thickness, and the environmental conditions in a modern landfill.Temperatures were measured at nine levels within the body of a landfill for a period of nearly 3 years. Within 7 months of the start of the disposal, a temperature increase of up to 70 degrees C within the vertical centre of the disposal was observed. In the upper and central part of the landfill this initial temperature increase was succeeded by a decrease in temperature. The maximum temperature at the time of writing (May 2000) is about 55 degrees C in the central part of the landfill. The maximum temperature (45.9 degrees C) at the FML was reached 17 months after the start of the deposition. Since then the temperatures decreased at a rate of 0.6 degrees C per month.Temperature variation within each individual layer corresponds to the temperature of the underlying layer and the overall surface-to-volume ratio of the landfill. The temperatures in the uppermost layer are significantly influenced by the ambient temperatures.     

WEEE: a Directive too far?

Several million tonnes of old electrical/electronic equipment, albeit no more than 1% of the total waste stream, are discarded every year in the European Union (EU). In 1998/9 the EU introduced a draft Directive, the WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive, to tackle this increasing waste-disposal problem, although there is, as yet, little evidence to suggest it has any serious environmental impact. The content and implementation timetable of the Directive and the technological and economic challenges facing industry in implementing it are discussed in this article     

Permeability of cracked concrete

The goal of the research presented here was to study the relationship between cracking and water permeability. A feedback-controlled test was used to generate width-controlled cracks. Water permeability was evaluated by a low-pressure water permeability test. The factors chosen for the experimental design were material type (paste, mortar, normal and high strength concrete), thickness of the sample and average width of the induced cracks (ranging from 50 to 350 micrometers). The water permeability test results indicated that the relationships between permeability and material type differ for uncracked and cracked material, and that there was little thickness effect. Permeability of uncracked material decreased from paste, mortar, normal strength concrete (NSC) to high strength concrete (HSC). Water permeability of cracked material significantly increased with increasing crack width. For cracks above 100 microns, NSC showed the highest permeability coefficient, where as mortar showed the lowest one.     

Recycling of auto shredder residue

Currently, about 75% of end-of-life vehicle's (ELV) total weight is recycled in EU countries. The remaining 25%, which is called auto shredder residues (ASR) or auto fluff, is disposed of as landfill because of its complexity. It is a major challenge to reduce this percentage of obsolete cars. The European draft directive states that by the year 2006, only 15% of the vehicle's weight can be disposed of at landfill sites and by 2015, this will be reduced to 5%. The draft directive states that a further 10% can be incinerated. The quantities of shredder fluff are likely to increase in the coming years. This is because of the growing number of cars being scrapped, coupled with the increase in the amount of plastics used in cars. In Sweden, some current projects are focusing on recycling of ASR material. In this paper some different alternatives for using this material are reported. The hypothetical injection of ASR into a blast furnace concentrating on ASR's effect to some blast furnace (BF) parameters has been completed using a blast furnace mass balance model. As a result, in principle, ASR can be used as reducing agent in the BF process if certain conditions are met. The particle size of ASR material must be controlled to ensure optimal gasification of the material in the raceway. Regarding the chemical composition of ASR, the non-ferrous content can affect the pig iron quality, which is difficult to rectify at a later point. The most attractive recycling alternative is to use the products obtained from pyrolysis of ASR in appropriate metallurgical processes.     

Elaboration of new ceramic microfiltration membranes from mineral coal fly ash applied to waste water treatment

This work aims to develop a new mineral porous tubular membrane based on mineral coal fly ash. Finely ground mineral coal powder was calcinated at 700 °C for about 3 h. The elaboration of the mesoporous layer was performed by the slip-casting method using a suspension made of the mixture of fly-ash powder, water and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The obtained membrane was submitted to a thermal treatment which consists in drying at room temperature for 24 h then a sintering at 800 °C. SEM photographs indicated that the membrane surface was homogeneous and did not present any macrodefects (cracks, etc…). The average pore diameter of the active layer was 0.25 μm and the thickness was around 20 μm. The membrane permeability was 475 l/h m² bar.This membrane was applied to the treatment of the dying effluents generated by the washing baths in the textile industry. The performances in term of permeate flux and efficiency were determined and compared to those obtained using a commercial alumina microfiltration membrane. Almost the same stabilised permeate flux was obtained (about 100 l h⁻¹ m⁻²). The quality of permeate was almost the same with the two membranes: the COD and color removal was 75% and 90% respectively.     

几种食品包装用塑料膜阻透性能比较

目的研究不同厚度、不同材质的食品包装用塑料膜透氧量、透湿量的变化情况,为食品包装在阻隔性方面的选材提供依据和指导。方法采用压差法和杯式法分别测试塑料膜的透氧量和透湿量。结果单层塑料膜随厚度的增加,透氧量和透湿量均减小,阻隔性能变好。相同厚度的PE,PET,BOPP,PA这4种单层塑料膜中,PA的透氧量最小,PE的透氧量最大,BOPP的透湿量最小,PA的透湿量最大。复合膜厚度增加,其透氧量、透湿量均减小,但减小幅度逐渐变小。塑塑复合膜外层材料厚度不变时,透氧量、透湿量随总厚度变化不太明显,EVOH塑料复合膜的透氧量值和透湿量值较小,通常在5以下,铝箔塑料复合膜的透氧量值和透湿量值均小于1。结论单层塑料膜PA的氧气阻隔性最好,PE的氧气阻隔性最差,BOPP的水蒸气阻隔性最好,PA的水蒸气阻隔性最差。复合膜中,塑塑复合膜的阻隔性主要取决于外层材料,铝塑复合膜的阻隔性最好,含高阻隔材料EVOH的塑料复合膜的阻隔性比普通塑塑复合膜好,其阻隔性可与铝塑复合膜媲美。     

产品生态设计的关键技术及方法

欧盟的EuP指令提高了机电产品的准入门槛,在欧盟范围内建立起了新的贸易壁垒,而EuP指令的核心要求就是产品生态设计。产品生态设计的关键技术包括生命周期评价、原材料选用技术、结构设计技术、生产工艺设计、绿色包装设计及绿色成本分析等。我国机电产品生产企业可通过产品结构设计、产品生态辨识、产品生态诊断、产品生态指标确定、产品生态评价等方法,达到产品生态设计的核心要求。     

Characteristics of the membrane utilized in a compact absorber for lithium bromide–water absorption chillers

This study aims at investigating experimentally and analytically the characteristics and properties of a membrane utilized to design compact absorbers for lithium bromide–water absorption chillers. The main focus of this study are the factors that influence the water vapor transfer flux into a lithium bromide–water solution in confined narrow channels under vacuum conditions, as well as the properties limits for utilization in compact absorber design. The results indicate that the desired membrane characteristics for this application are as follows: high permeability to water vapor, hydrophobic to the aqueous solution with high liquid entry pressure (LEP) to avoid wettability of the membrane pores and no capillary condensation of water vapor to avoid blocking of the pores. For practical use, this membrane should have a thin hydrophobic microporous active layer with a thickness up to 60 μm, mean pore sizes around 0.45 μm and a porosity of up to 80%. The active layer should be attached to a porous support layer to meet the mechanical strength requirements needed for practical use in the absorber of lithium bromide water absorption chillers application.     

Numerical modelling of the generation and transport of heat in a bottom ash monofill

Municipal solid waste is incinerated to reduce its volume, toxicity and reactivity. Several studies have shown that the resulting bottom ash has a high exothermic capacity. Temperature measurements in municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash landfills have found temperatures up to 90 °C. Such high temperatures may affect the stability of the landfill’s flexible polymer membrane liner (FML) and may also lead to an accelerated desiccation of the clay barrier. The purpose of this study was to gain detailed knowledge of temperature development under several disposal conditions in relation to the rate of ash disposal, the variation of layer thickness, and the environmental conditions in a modern landfill. Based on this knowledge, a simulation was developed to predict temperature development. Temperature development was simulated using several storage periods prior to the deposition and several modes of emplacement. Both the storage time and the mode of emplacement have a significant influence on the temperature development at the sensitive base of the landfill. Without a preliminary storage of the fresh quenched bottom ash, high temperatures at the bottom of a landfill cannot be avoided.     

骨料种类与品质对透水混凝土性能影响的研究进展

骨料作为支撑透水材料空间骨架结构的原料,其形状、粒径范围及分布、种类与品质都对材料强度、透水性及耐久性产生重要的影响。文章从透水混凝土的骨料种类与品质要求为切入点,介绍了应用于透水混凝土中的天然骨料,建筑垃圾、工业固废、人造骨料及生活垃圾底渣等再生骨料与砂基细骨料的基本物理化学特性,重点综述了各类骨料对透水混凝土强度、透水性、耐久性及水质净化等性能影响的研究进展,并进行了简要分析与总结。最后,提出了透水混凝土可以通过对骨料的质量控制来提升其透水时效性与耐久性,指出未来需扩大透水混凝土行业协同处置废弃物的范围与能力。     

新欧盟指令对塑料食品接触材料产业影响及对策研究

[目的]为深入了解、系统分析欧盟塑料食品接触材料及制品新指令及其影响,[方法]对塑料包装材料的欧盟新指令和现行强制性国家标准进行了比较研究,[结果]明晰了两个技术法规之间的显著差异。[结论]分析认为,按照WTO规则,技术法规的差异必然造成对食品塑料包装及相关产业的深刻影响。并从遵循国际贸易规则、提升产业层次等角度,针对性地提出应对对策。     

SiOx/PET复合薄膜的力学性能及阻隔性能

目的基于氧化硅(SiO_x)镀层优异的性能,研究不同厚度的SiO_x层对SiO_x/PET复合薄膜力学性能和阻隔性能的影响,以期得到性能较优的SiO_x/PET复合薄膜。方法以自制的聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯(PET)薄膜为基材,采用等离子体增强化学气相沉积法沉积得到SiO_x层厚度分别为40,150,230,320 nm的SiO_x/PET复合薄膜,并进行傅里叶变换红外线光谱分析、力学性能和阻隔性能测试,以及薄膜表观形貌分析。结果沉积SiO_x层后,SiO_x/PET复合薄膜拉伸强度和断裂伸长率随SiO_x层厚度的增大先增大后减小,氧气透过率和水蒸气透过率则出现明显衰减而后逐渐平缓的趋势。SiO_x层厚度达150~230 nm时,复合薄膜的力学性能和阻隔性能表现较优,拉伸强度、断裂伸长率、氧气透过率以及水蒸气透过率分别提高了约25.0%,20.9%,79.3%,77.3%。结论适宜厚度的SiO_x层可以使得SiO_x/PET复合薄膜同时具备较优的力学性能和阻隔性能。     

Harmonisation and dosimetric quality assurance in individual monitoring for external radiation

The current situation amongst Member States is that there are widely differing national requirements for dosimetric services and for dosemeter performance. It is clear that with the free movement of workers within the European Union (EU) and the requirements for individual dosimetry given in Council Directive 96/29 EURATOM, a degree of harmonisation of requirements and procedures of EU Member States would be desirable. A EURADOS action group, made up of members from each of the EU Member States plus Switzerland, was set up with the overall objectives of consolidating within the EU the quality of individual monitoring using personal dosemeters and assisting movement towards harmonised procedures. An outline of the work of the action group is given and the term 'harmonisation' is discussed.     

Autoclaved aerated concrete with sulphate content: an environmentally friendly,durable and recyclable building material

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) contains a small quantity of sulphate. For example, a modern quality class PP2‐0,35 AAC (λ = 0.09 W/(mK)) from Xella contains about five per cent by mass of sulphate in the form of gypsum or anhydrite. The addition of sulphate reduces shrinkage and enhances compressive strength and durability. AAC thus has an almost unrestricted lifetime. Regarding the environmental acceptability of sulphate, dogmatic discussions have been held for years. What is certain: sulphate is not a hazardous substance. Calcium sulphate (gypsum) has been categorised according to the Directive (EC) No. 1272/2008 (CLP) as not hazardous. Xella's voluntary environmental declarations for AAC confirm not only the excellent ecological balance of this product but also the absence of hazardous substances. For construction and demolition (C&D) waste from AAC, disposal is ensured in Germany with landfill class I (“Non‐hazardous waste, domestic waste”). In order to save disposal costs, Xella offers to take back unmixed cutting waste, which arises in the course of new building or refurbishment, without charge at the Ytong‐factories. Xellas long‐term aim is a closed recycling loop for AAC. A collaborative pilot project between Xella and the Otto Dörner Entsorgung GmbH has shown that from the point of view of process and materials technology, production of high‐quality AAC is even possible under utilization of crushed AAC from demolition.     

Evaluation of bagasse ash as supplementary cementitious material

The utilization of waste materials in concrete manufacture provides a satisfactory solution to some of the environmental concerns and problems associated with waste management. Agro wastes such as rice husk ash, wheat straw ash, hazel nutshell and sugarcane bagasse ash are used as pozzolanic materials for the development of blended cements. Few studies have been reported on the use of bagasse ash (BA) as partial cement replacement material in respect of cement mortars. In this study, the effects of BA content as partial replacement of cement on physical and mechanical properties of hardened concrete are reported. The properties of concrete investigated include compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, water absorption, permeability characteristics, chloride diffusion and resistance to chloride ion penetration. The test results indicate that BA is an effective mineral admixture, with 20% as optimal replacement ratio of cement.     

Effects of silica fume on the geotechnical properties of fine-grained soils exposed to freeze and thaw

Both the landfill liner and cover systems are the most important parts on a waste disposal landfill site. These systems are generally constructed using compacted fine-grained soils. It is known that the strength and permeability are particularly affected by freezing and thawing cycles in the cold regions. The aim of this study is to reduce the effects of freezing and thawing cycles on the strength and permeability. To modify the fine-grained soils, silica fume generated during silicon metal production as very fine dust of silica from a blast furnace and historically considered a waste product has been used as a stabilizer. The natural fine-grained soils and soil–silica fume mixtures have been compacted at the optimum moisture content and subjected to the laboratory tests. The test results show that the stabilized fine-grained soil samples containing silica fume exhibit high resistance to the freezing and thawing effects as compared to natural fine-grained soil samples. The silica fume decreases the effects of freezing and thawing cycles on the unconfined compressive strength and permeability. We have concluded that silica fume can be successfully used to reduce the effects of freezing and thawing cycles on the strength and permeability in landfill liner and cover systems constructed from compacted fine-grained soils.     

Development of a low-cost composite film technique for functional micro-tools

This study presents the development of a low-cost composite film technique for making functional micro-tools. A conductive substrate is coated with a layer of formative oily-wax to define the featured pattern for depositing a layer of nickel-matrix diamond on the substrate. Porous material, made from an aluminum oxide grinding wheel of appropriate pore size, is employed as the co-deposition tank to generate good convection of the electrolyte and maintain uniformity of the particulate-composite suspension in the electrolyte of the tank. Two experimental samples including a micro-hole structure and an ultra-thin wheel tool are manufactured and tested. The wax-pattern can be fully removed by simply immersing the substrate in hot water; the diamond film thickness varies positively with deposition time. The proposed approach should contribute significantly to the precision micro-machining industry.     

Evaluation of a municipal landfill site in Southern Spain with GIS-aided methodology

Landfill siting should take into account a wide range of territorial and legal factors in order to reduce negative impacts on the environment. This article describes a landfill siting method, which is based on EVIAVE, a landfill diagnosis method developed at the University of Granada. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology is also used to generate spatial data for site assessment. Landfill site suitability is assessed on a scale based on territorial indices that measure the risk of contamination for the following five environmental components: surface water, groundwater, atmosphere, soil, and human health. The method described in this article has been used to evaluate an area in Granada (Spain) where there is a currently operating landfill. The results obtained show that suitable locations for the disposal of municipal waste were successfully identified. The low environmental index values reflect the suitability of this landfill site as well as its minimal negative impacts on the environment.     

含接缝的膨润土砌块缓冲材料愈合过程计算

在高放废物处置库的设计中,缓冲材料一般以膨润土砌块拼接的形式回填在废物罐周围,罐体、砌块、围岩之间的缝隙通过接缝材料进行填充。该文通过对GMZ01膨润土已有的试验数据进行整理,结合孔隙介质热-水-力（THM）耦合的基本理论,建立了含接缝的缓冲材料的THM过程耦合计算模型,利用Comsol Multiphysics平台进行计算,研究了接缝对缓冲材料膨胀、渗透和导热性能的影响,以及愈合效应的产生,并重点分析了接缝的类型、数量、干密度和宽度,以及砌块的拼接形式对渗透性能的影响。接缝的存在会极大的增加缓冲材料的渗透性,但是随着时间推移,接缝的渗透率会显著降低。材料最终的平均渗透率主要取决于平均干密度,而接缝的分布和砌块的拼接方式影响较小。