Introduction

The hydrogasification process produces methane from Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). The process is carried out under a reducing atmosphere (only hydrogen reacts with the waste) that strongly reduces the formation of toxic compounds such as dioxins.

Technical features

Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) is obtained from pre-treatment of municipal solid waste and consists mainly of plastics and biodegradable substances. According to the proposed process, RDF reacts with a hydrogen stream at 300-400 °C and 5-10 bar. A thermodynamic analysis demonstrated the capability of the process of producing a gas mixture containing more than 90% of methane. Furthermore, the use of hydrogen excess in this process allows to avoid the formation of dioxins that indeed takes place in the traditional thermovalorization plants (incinerators, gasificators, etc.).

Possible Applications

• Treatment of municipal and industrial waste;
• Production and storage of renewable energies;
• Use of hydrogen produced via electrolysis;

Advantages

• Easily achievable operating conditions (300-400 °C e 5 e 10 bar) characterized by low thermal losses;
• Production of a gas mixture rich in methane (more than 90%);
• High reaction yield (more than 60% of carbon content of RDF is converted into methane);
• No dioxins formation.