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Turning sewage sludge into sintering fuel based on the pyrolysis I: lipid content and residual metal

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Abstract

The use of pyrolysis to produce oil from sludge by the evaporation–condensation process is a promising technique. However, the resulting lipids are prone to be acidized under exposure to oxygen, which can affect their quality and use. To eliminate the need for this oil separation process, the present work uses blended pyrolysis to preserve the oil in the char and to prevent it from deteriorating. At the same time, metals are eliminated to a secure level of combustion emissions. The sludge was pyrolyzed into a sintering fuel through blended pyrolysis with SiO2, Al2O3, and sand. These materials are the main components of the sintered ceramsite obtained. Therefore, the influence of these substances and residence time on lipid formation and metal residue in the char were investigated. Non-blended pyrolysis required a 40-min duration, whereas sand-pyrolysis required 10 min to achieve the same yield. The concentration of C16:0 produced by blended pyrolysis with sand reached 2177 mg kg−1, which is 57% higher than that of non-blended pyrolysis. Blended pyrolysis with SiO2 required at least 20 min to immobilize As metal. In summary, blended pyrolysis simplifies the process, reduces time, and produces char with lipid-rich and low metal leaching, which can be used as a sintering fuel.

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Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51808044), Natural Science Foundation of ShaanXi Province of China (Grant No.2017JQ5118), and Construction Technology Demonstration Project of Xi’an (Grant No. SJW2017–12).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil Engineering, Chang’an University, No 89, Chang’an Road, Xi’an, 710054, People’s Republic of China

    Jinyi Qin, Xiaoguang Li, Yijing Jiao & Xiaoling Li

  2. Xi’an Customs District P.R. China, Xi’an, 710068, People’s Republic of China

    Changzhao Wang

  3. School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of the Ecological Effect and Groundwater in Arid Areas, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710064, People’s Republic of China

    Hui Qian

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  1. Jinyi Qin
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  2. Changzhao Wang
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  3. Xiaoguang Li
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  5. Xiaoling Li
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Correspondence to Jinyi Qin.

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Qin, J., Wang, C., Li, X. et al. Turning sewage sludge into sintering fuel based on the pyrolysis I: lipid content and residual metal. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 26912–26924 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-05836-1

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