ABSTRACT
The application of biological prior to thermal treatment of municipal solid waste is very promising to facilitate separation of inert materials and homogenization of municipal solid waste. In addition, a remarkable energetic effect can be achieved. By using the biological treatment as a drying step, the input water content for a subsequent incineration could be considerably reduced and optimized. Corresponding pilot-scale tests in fixed bed and rotary reactors are presented. The experimental results are checked by energy balances and compared to the theoretical drying potential. Based on these experiences, optimal conditions for the biological process and parameters for its control can be derived.
