Lecturer: Carlo Collivignarelli  

Course name: Energy recovery from waste
Course code: 503299
Degree course: Ingegneria per l'Ambiente e il Territorio
Disciplinary field of science: ICAR/03
University credits: ECTS 3
Course website: n.d.

Specific course objectives

This course deals with the design and the management of waste treatment /disposal plant for energy recovery.

Course programme

REGULATORY ASPECTS

• Overview.
• Municipal solid waste production and energy recovery situation in Europe and in Italy.
• Regulatory aspects concerning energy recovery.

BIOCHEMICAL PROCESSES

• General aspects.
• Influence of parameters on biochemical processes.
• Biochemical processes with attached and suspended biomass, hybrid and multi-stage processes.
• Design criteria.

THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES

• Overview.
• Gasification.
• Pyrolysis.
• The use of pyrolysis/gasification products.

RECOVERY OF MATTER AND ENERGY FROM SEWAGE SLUDGE

• Sludge management issues.
• Main technologies for minimization of sludge production.
• Recovery of matter and energy from sewage sludge.
• Biogas production assessment from anaerobic digester.
• Characteristics and use of biogas.
• Thermal drying of sewage sludge: theoretical principles and design criteria.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

• Overview.
• Renewable energy sources: definition, regulatory aspects.
• Biomass energy: definition, classification, legislation.
• Environmental impact of biomass energy plants.

Course entry requirements

Waste and wastewater treatment plant design. Waste treatment and contaminated sites remediation.

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 21
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 5
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0

Suggested reading materials

De Fraja Frangipane E., Vismara R.. Recupero di materia ed energia da rifiuti solidi - Collana Ambiente Volume 19. Cipa Editore.

Collivignarelli Carlo, Bertanza Giorgio. Ingegneria Sanitaria-Ambientale. Cittą Studi Edizioni.

Testing and exams

The exam consists of an oral test.