Thermal utilization of Refuse-Derived Fuels for the recovery of raw materials at ZAK Ringsheim
©ZAK Ringsheim
Within the project ”Thermal utilization of Refuse-Derived Fuels (RDF) for the recovery of ash fractions“, WEHRLE was awarded the contract for the construction of a fluidized bed plant at Zweckverband Abfallbehandlung Kahlenberg (ZAK) in December 2020. The Refuse-Derived Fuels are produced in ZAK’s mechanical-biological waste treatment plant (MBT), which has been in operation since 2006 and is based on the innovative MYT® process (Maximum Yield Technology).
This project helps to further improve the eco-balance of the entire waste treatment plant, which is why the introduction of biobins with the respective logistics will still not be necessary in the Emmendingen and Ortenau districts in the future. Furthermore, the implementation of the project will eliminate approximately 2000 truck trips per year between Kahlenberg and the recycling plants. The requirements for the operation of the plant go far beyond the strict immission control regulations.
The new RDF combustion system will thermally utilize up to 24,000 tons of ZAK’s RDF per year. The goal is to recover raw materials from the ash, especially phosphorus. The project thus also contributes to the future supply of raw materials through closed-loop recycling. WEHRLE’s plant will consist of a stationary fluidized bed combustion system with a combustion heat output of 12.2 MWth. Commissioning is scheduled for spring 2023.