Project Details
Client
Re-Gen Waste
Location
UK
Material
RDF
The Challenge
Re-Gen Waste faced challenges in optimizing their RDF production process. The existing system struggled to produce larger, consistent bales efficiently, leading to prolonged ship loading times and logistical inefficiencies.
Additionally, the need for a solution that seamlessly integrated with their existing plant equipment and software was crucial to streamline operations and enhance overall productivity.
01
Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) is a manufactured product created by processing non-recyclable waste materials into a fuel source suitable for energy generation. This process not only reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but also provides an alternative energy source, contributing to a circular economy. Re-Gen Waste, a waste management company, exemplifies the RDF manufacturing process by converting residual waste into a valuable fuel product.
02
Re-Gen Waste chose CK International for their RDF production due to the company’s ability to deliver a tailored, high-performance baling solution. CK International’s equipment enables Re-Gen to produce larger, more consistent bales, significantly reducing ship loading times and improving overall logistics. With high bale densities and throughput, efficiency is maximised, ensuring smooth operations.
03
The flexibility of CK International’s balers, offering both plastic strapping and direct wrapping while integrating seamlessly with all wrapping systems, provides a versatile solution for RDF production. Additionally, full integration with plant equipment and software ensures a streamlined process, while CK International’s full-service contracts offer ongoing support and reliability.
The Process
01
Initial Sorting
Incoming waste is sorted to recover recyclable materials such as metals, glass, and certain plastics. This step maximises resource recovery and ensures that only suitable materials proceed to the RDF production line.
02
Shredding
The sorted waste is then shredded to reduce its size, facilitating easier handling and processing in subsequent stages.
03
Separation
Advanced separation techniques, including magnetic and eddy current separators, are employed to remove any remaining ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This ensures the purity and quality of the RDF.
04
Optional Drying
As SRF material is light and flocculent, the baler was designed with pre-press compaction to ensure as much material as possible, could be baled.
05
Baling & Packaging
Finally, the RDF is baled and wrapped in multiple layers to maintain its integrity during transportation and storage. This process ensures that the RDF produced meets specific quality standards required for efficient energy generation.
The Benefits
Applications of RDF
The RDF produced by Re-Gen Waste is utilised in various energy recovery processes, including
Electricity Generation
RDF serves as a fuel in power plants to generate electricity, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plants
In CHP plants, RDF is used to produce both electricity and heat, maximising energy efficiency.
Cement Kilns
RDF is used as an alternative fuel in cement kilns, reducing the reliance on traditional fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.