Process simulation for waste management

Abstract

A critical assessment of available options for waste separation, recycling and energy recovery is an essential strategic step in formulating an economic and technically viable waste management policy The underpinning data for each assessment includes the provision of characterisations of the waste and quantification of its response to separation (either centrally or at source). These data are however difficult and expensive to obtain (at least conventionally through survey and practical work). They can alternatively be derived to the necessary resolution but very much more cost-effectively, using predictive modelling methods, (i) Specific waste characterisation data can be predicted from alternative data sets, once these are formulated as functions of measurable objective criteria, (ii) Generic separation models based on measured performance data can be developed to provide the required catalogue of separation responses, for the whole spectrum of separation regimes. This paper describes the integrated role of 'characterisation models' and 'process* models This is presented through a stepwise approach outlining the technology that has been developed and the technology that still needs to be developed to complete the overall system.