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Example Chemical and Biological Composition
Example Chemical and Biological Composition
Example Chemical and Biological Composition
Ultimate analysis
The ultimate analysis involves the determination of the percent values of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,
nitrogen, sulfur and ash in the sample. The majority of MSW is composed of carbon, hydrogen and
oxygen.
Materials in organic portion of MSW: cellulose, lignin, fats, protein and hydrocarbon polymers.
Table 1:Ultimate analysis of the combustible component in Household MSW (Source:Pitchel ,n.d)
% by Wt (dry basis)
Component Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen Sulfur Ash
Organic
Paper 43.5 6.0 44.0 0.3 0.2 6.0
Plastics 60.0 7.2 22.8 - - 10.0
Food wastes 48.0 6.4 37.8 2.6 0.4 5.0
Yard wastes 47.8 6.0 38.0 3.4 0.3 4.5
Textiles 55.0 6.6 31.2 4.6 0.15 2.5
Rubber 78.0 10.0 - 2.0 - 10.0
Wood 49.5 6.0 42.7 0.2 0.1 1.5
Inorganic
Glass 0.5 0.1 0.4 <0.1 - 98.9
Metals 4.5 0.6 4.3 <0.1 - 90.5
Dirt, ash 26.3 3.0 2.0 0.5 0.2 68.0
MSW 15-30 2-5 12-24 0.2-1.0 0.02-0.1 -
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Example: Estimate the chemical composition of the organic fraction of a sample of MSW. Some data on
waste properties is shown below.
Paper 19 16
Plastics 3.7 3.5
Food wastes 5.1 1.9
Yard wastes 8.4 2.6
Textiles 1 0.8
Rubber 0.22 0.22
Wood 1.3 0.9
Step 1: Determine the percentage distribution of C,H,O,N and S occurring in the waste sample. Use the
percent values of these elements from Table 1(ultimate analysis)
(Example: C = 43.5/100 *16= 6.96, H= 6/100*16= 0.96, O= 44/100*16= 7.04, N=0.3/100*16= 0.048)
Composition (kg)
Wet weight Dry C H O N S Ash
(kg) weight(kg)
Paper 19 16 6.96 0.96 7.04 0.048 0.032 0.96
Plastics 3.7 3.5 2.1 0.252 0.798 0 0 0.35
Foodwastes 5.1 1.9 0.912 0.122 0.714 0.049 0.008 0.095
Yard wastes 8.4 2.6 1.243 0.156 0.988 0.088 0.008 0.117
Textiles 1 0.8 0.44 0.053 0.249 0.036 0.001 0.02
Rubber 0.22 0.22 0.172 0.022 0 0.004 0 0.022
Wood 1.3 0.9 0.446 0.054 0.384 0.002 0.001 0.014
Total 25.92 12.27 1.618 10.174 0.227 0.05 1.578
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Composition Weight (kg)
C 12.27
H 1.618
O 10.174
N 0.227
S 0.05
Ash 1.578
Step 3: Determine the molar composition of the elements. Ignore the data for ash.
Step 4: Calculate an approximate chemical formula. Determine normalized mole ratios (sulfur = 1)
Step 5: The chemical formula for the waste mixture given above is C511H802O318N8S
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PROXIMATE ANALYSIS
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Energy value
U = Cv ∆T/ M
U – heat value (cal/g) of unknown material, ∆T the rise in temperature (°C), M the mass (g) of unknown
material, Cv the heat capacity (cal/°C)
Example:
A 10 g sample of mixed MSW is combusted in a calorimeter having a heat capacity of 8850 cal/°C. The
temperature increase on combustion is 3.35°C. Calculate the heat value of the sample.
U = Cv ∆T/ M
(8850 x 3.35) / 10.00 = 2965 cal/g = 5278 Btu/lb (British Thermal Unit/pound)
*Paper, plastics, food and yard wastes will provide the highest heat release.
Heat values for the individual waste material is calculated using modified Dulong formula :
E = energy content MJ/kg. F the percent by weight food in waste, CP the percent cardboard and paper,
PLR the percent plastic and rubber.
Example:
*The chemical formula for the waste mixture given above is C511H802O318N8S
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Composition Mole ratio Atomic Weight Weight contribution of %
(g/mol) each element
C 511 12.01 6137.11 50.4
H 802 1.01 810.02 6.6
O 318 16.0 5088 41.8
N 8 14.01 112.08 0.92
S 1.00 32.07 32.07 0.26
Total 12,179.28
= 18981.265 MJ/kg
= 0.051[24+3.6(37)]+0.352(7)
= 10.48MJ/kg
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The typical value of inert residue and energy content of residential MSW
Inorganic:
Glass 96-99+ 110-225 50-100
Tin cans 96-99+ 225-1100 100-500
Aluminium 90-99+ - -
Other metal 94-99+ 225-1120 100-500
Dirt, ashes 60-80+ 2230-11175 1000-5000
8950-13400 4000-6000
MSW
Btu/lb (dr ash-free basis) = Btu/lb (as discarded) (100 / 100 - %moisture -%ash)
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Nutrients and others substrates
The organic fraction ( example: food wastes, yard waste, paper products, textiles) can be classified
according to the degree of biodegradability as follows:
Sugars
Starches and organic acids
Proteins and amino acids
Hemicellulose
Cellulose and lignocellulose
Lignin
Fats, oils, and waxes
Carbohydrates (CH2O)x
Elemental analysis of organic materials used as feedstock for Biological Conversion Processes
Homework:
1. Find out the structure of carbohydrate molecule, glucose molecule, cellulose, lignin, protein and
lipid.
2. Find example on how to calculate biodegradability factor.
3. How does total moisture content affect overall management of MSW? Are there environmental
or other implications to high-moisture content waste stream?
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