Potential of solid recovered fuel production from autoclave treated healthcare waste in Sultanate of Oman

ABSTRACT

Economic growth has a potential impact on waste generation worldwide. Growing recognition for resources recovery from waste including production of a clean energy has led to the development of standards for, and the generation of, Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). SRF, according to BS EN ISO 21640 is a fuel prepared from nonhazardous/treated waste to be utilized for energy recovery in incineration or co-incineration plants which meets the classification and specification. The amount of combustible fractions (i.e., plastic, textile and paper) that are present in Healthcare Waste (HCW) and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) provides an opportunity for SRF production. HCW is defined as clinical waste generated from healthcare facilities. Limited efforts in utilizing treated HCW in production of SRF were noted, despite the fact that high content of combustible fractions, hence the novelty of this research. This research addresses the opportunities of utilizing autoclaved HCW as an alternate fuel; through a detailed chemical and physical analysis of autoclaved HCW collected from the Sultanate of Oman hospital and healthcare facilities. Furthermore, this study examines the possible uses of such materials instead of landfilling. The utilization of treated HCW as an alternative fuel is not only saving the land space, but also reduces the carbon emissions originating from landfilling. This in fact would also support the government in achieving its aspiring goal of the net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through better utilization of these materials in production of SRF as an alternative to fossil fuel combustion. The study revealed that autoclaved HCW appears to have a high quality SRF and is classified as (NCV 4, Cl 3); which complies with the potential end users’ specifications. It is estimated that the combined energy output from MSW and HCW combustible fractions could cover about 12.75% of the energy requirements for Oman cement factories.

Implications: The results confirm the viability of using autoclave (HCW) as an alternative fuel due to its high thermal energy content. Based on mean Net Calorific Value (NCV) of analyzed HCW that is found around 14 (MJ/Kg _(ar)), and the mean Cl level (i.e., 0.814 ± 0.213% _(d)); the SRF is classified as (NCV4, Cl 3). This grade is found to be well within the end users accepted range. This opens up the opportunity for creating a market demand for HCW that not only it could boost its recovery, but it could also unlock the value that can generates.

Acknowledgment

The work was undertaken in Oman and at the University of Leeds under a scholarship from the Sultanate of Oman – Ministry of Higher Education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article (and/or) its supplementary materials.

Notes

¹ ar refers to as received on a wet basis.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mahir Al-Wahaibi

Mahir Al Wahaibi is a professional engineer who holds a Master’s of Science (Engineering) degree from University of Leeds. He is working as Head of Surface learning in the Learning and Development Academy at Petroleum Development Oman.

J. Baird

Jim Baird is Chair of Waste and Resource Management in the Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Management at Glasgow Caledonian University.