Kinetic modelling of combustion and gasification of refuse derived fuels in fixed bed reactors

This work deals with the main aspects of the thermochemical conversion of refuse derived fuels (RDF). In particular, a kinetic model of solid volatilization has been employed and validated. This kinetic model is based on a linear combination of the devolatilization models of the main constituent of the fuel. Ligno-cellulosic and plastic materials, together with ash and moisture, allow to account for the high heterogeneity of RDF. This devolatilization model is coupled with a detailed gas-phase oxidation and pyrolysis kinetics of the released gases. Furthermore, a fixed bed reactor model has been developed in order to describe solid fuel gasification. Gas-solid interactions as well as internal resistances are accounted for. The model predictions have been compared with experimental data with an encouraging agreement and they represent a good starting point for further analysis and considerations.