This project has investigated several processes for the conversion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW) to a powder. The study concentrated on two types of processes: (1) conversion of MSW to a powdered carbon char by low-temperature pyrolysis, and (2) embrittlement of cellulose waste by thermal-chemical treatment. This report describes results of these studies. The first phase of this project was devoted to identifying processes that offer a potential for enhanced product recovery, an evaluation of chemical treatment to improve carbon recovery from pyrolysis processes, an evaluation of laboratory processes for the production of gaseous and liquid fuels, and a laboratory investigation of embrittlement processes for cellulose wastes. The second phase of the program was concerned with further laboratory studies of the embrittlement process, pilot studies of the embrittlement process with shredded newsprint and refuse derived fuel, and an engineering and economic assessment for a plant to process powdered cellulose for use as fuel. A comprehensive description of Phase I was presented in an earlier report entitled 'Investigation of Advanced Thermal Concepts for Obtaining Improved MSW-Derived Products' (EPA-600/7-78-143). This report summarizes the results of Phase I and provides a comprehensive review of the work conducted in Phase II of the program.

Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio, submitted by University of Dayton Research Institute, under grant no. R-804421-01. Includes bibliographical references (pages 101-103).