Simulation and optimization model for mechanical biological treatment biodrying process: validation with experimental results

This study focuses on the development of a mathematical model of biodrying processes of municipal solid waste based on equations adopted for the composting of organic materials. The resolution of this model is structured through a series of iterations in which mass and energy balances are solved for all periods of the process, giving the advantage of tracking the development of process efficiency parameters and end-product quality. Model calibration and validation were carried out using experimental data from the literature to simulate the variation in temperature, humidity and waste quantity as a function of process duration. According to the results obtained, it was found that this model can represent the experimental trend reported in the literature with errors, for variations in temperature, humidity and waste quantity, of 6.9%, 6.42% and 4.9% respectively. With this model validated, an optimization study dealing with the influence of aeration, bulking agents and process duration was performed. In order to improve process efficiency and refuse derived fuel quality, these results highlight the need to control the aeration rate with the highest possible temperature and relative humidity, the right choice of bulking agent type and quantity, and the need to optimize biodrying time, which was well respected in the experimental study.