Evaluation of combustion properties and pollutant emission characteristics of blends of sewage sludge and biomass

The combustion and emission characteristics of sludge, biomass (rice husk, peanut husk, pine sawdust) and their blends were studied by non-isothermal thermogravimetry, tube oven method and SEM. The results showed that the combustion process of sludge, biomass and their blends could be divided into three stages: the evaporation of water, the release and combustion of volatile, combustion of char. Combustion characteristics of 80% biomass +20% sludge were improved compared with the theoretical value. NOx and SO2 emission of 80% biomass +20% sludge was lower than that of sludge combustion. There was synergistic effect between sludge/biomass combustion. Comparing combustion and emission characteristics comprehensively, the mixed fuels of 80% biomass +20% sludge could promote combustion and reduce emissions, which was a better method to treat municipal sludge. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.