Hydrothermal carbonization of waste wood

This project seeks to investigate the potential of hydrothermal carbonization as a waste treatment method. The aim is to increase the recycling of nutrients in a circular economy with improved detoxification of waste compared to biological treatment, as well as decreased carbon emissions through the use of organic wastes for other purposes than for energy recovery.

In the hydrothermal process, the waste is homogenized and hygienised, metals and nutrients are dissolved, and both the heating value and the dewatering properties of the solids are increased. Given the total sum of effects, hydrothermal carbonization has the potential to becoming a supplementary treatment method along with incineration and biological treatments.

Included in the project is lab work, in which the effect of the treatment on the fate of heavy metals is investigated in detail for wood waste that is too contaminated to be used as biofuels. This work will a result in an article that will be published in a scientific journal. Furthermore, a life cycle assessment will be performed for the method to assess its sustainability in a broader perspective. Finally the work is compiled in a report that is presented to the project financier and other interested parties.

Lab

The project includes lab work where the treatment's effect on heavy metals is investigated in detail for wood materials that are too contaminated to be burned as biofuel, which will result in a scientific article. Furthermore, a life cycle analysis is carried out on the technology to evaluate its sustainability in a broader perspective. Finally, the work is compiled in a report that is reported to the project financier and other stakeholders.

Contact

Erik Marklund, Waste Science & Technology