Final Report of

“Exploring the Environment Effects of Using Refused Derived Fuels

(RDF) and its Cost Analysis against the Traditional Fuels used in
Factories”

Submitted to

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME,

Accelerator Lab, Lalitpur,
Nepal

Submitted by

Center for Energy & Environment Nepal (CEEN)

GPO Box 10376, Bhote Bahal - 224,
Kathmandu-11, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-4215604

November 2021
Background
This report is based on the research work conducted by Centre for Energy and Environment Nepal
(CEEN) to explore the possibilities of producing refuse derived fuel (RDF) briquettes using some
combustible portions of the municipal solid waste (MSW), namely plastic waste/wrappers and paper
and testing them as alternative fuel to traditional fuelwood being used in the clay craft kilns in Thimi.
As the MSW also contains biomass materials such as wood waste and agro wastes, some RDF was
also produced using saw dust and rice husk, blending them with the plastic waste from MSW.

One of the first attempts to use MSW as fuel took place during 1986 – 89. With the assistances of
GTZ and Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), the SWMRMC had initiated some research work on
making fuel briquettes using the combustible portions (paper, plastics, textile, rubber, wood and
biomass) of MSW. In 1986 the biobriquettes were made using compression technology to prepare
briquettes, which were tested in some stoves. The research was limited in publishing the work in some
news media and could not find application. In 1993-94 with the growing volume of municipal waste
and the % of biodegradable (over 60% by volume), The Nepal Environmental and Scientific Services
(NESS) had ventured in utilizing MSW to produced refuse derived fuel (RDF). A self-designed and
locally produced briquetting machine based on the extrusion principle was used to produce the
briquettes. The combustion tests of the briquettes were also conducted. It published an article to
disseminate its research results, but could not test the product in any industry (NESS, 1995).

This type of research was carried out many years ago in Nepal Academy of Science and Technology
(NAST) by some researchers to address the problems of MSW and energy. The research works (Kim,
et al, 2003; Shrestha & Singh, 2011; Rajauria, 2011) was mainly confined to the laboratory testing and
analysis, which gave positive results in terms of fuels characteristics and controlling harmful
emissions. These results led to discussions to conduct tests of RDF in Madhyapur Clay Craft with the
owner. His requirement was about 200 kgs of the fuel to conduct tests in the kilns of the clay crafts of
Thimi. Production of some 200 kgs of the RDF was not possible during those times due to various
reasons. Lack of institutional support and budgetary constraints did not allow to move the research
activity ahead. Also research students had time constraints to finish research and thesis work and case
studies hence production and testing was not possible during that time. Only with much difficulty,
diligence and personal interest, it was possible in 2020 to produce some minimum amount ~100kgs to
conduct preliminary testing in Madhyapur Clay Craft of Thimi. These preliminary tests showed very
encouraging results in terms of performance in comparison with fuelwood and combustion emissions,
which led to further tests with the financial support of UNDP Accelerator Lab for additional machinery
equipment and conducting emission tests during combustion of the fuels in kilns.

Introduction
Management of MSW is one of the most environmental challenges faced by many municipalities in
Nepal. The total waste generated by the municipalities of Nepal is 1.26 Million tons/year (Khanal,
2015).The per capita generation of solid waste ranges from 0.3kg/day to 1.0 kg/day (ADB, 2013). Due
to the increasing trend in solid waste generation, its proper collection and disposal is difficult as
observed in different major cities of Nepal (Shakya & Tuladhar, 2013). The current status of solid
waste management practices in Nepal includes dumping in river banks, road side’s disposal, open
burning and landfilling (Sapkota et al. 2020). The collection and transfer of MSW covers only 30% by
the private companies and non-governmental organization and the formal recycling is non-existent
(Dangi et al., 2017).

Kathmandu Valley is one of the largest producers of solid waste in Nepal. Recently, the increasing
trend in generation of MSW and its management has become a major concern of many municipalities
in Nepal. Most of the municipalities are facing problems with proper disposal and management of the
MSW as well as management of proper land fill sites.

MSW is now recognized as a valuable resource rather than waste. Many developed countries are
utilizing MSW waste as a resource for direct combustion to generate power. It is even used to produce
refused derived fuel as substitute for fossil fuels and fuelwood. Nepal has already started generation
of biogas using the degradable portion of the MSW in many places, but most of the other non-
recyclable portion of MSW still goes to landfill. Non-recyclable plastics (food wrappers, thin shopping
bags, disposable cups, flex printing materials, thermocol and other packaging materials, etc.) paper
waste, rubber and linen based waste, biomass waste, etc. are combustible materials, which have high
heat content. Rather than dumping them in the landfill, these materials can be used to produce RDF
briquettes as an alternative fuel to coal and fuelwood as Nepal still faces shortage of fossil fuels and
wood, which are being used in small and medium based industries such as carpet dyeing, wool dyeing,
small scale brick kilns, laundry, soap making, etc. Therefore, the RDF approach in the management of
MSW is a rational waste management option as well as alternative fuel production process,
propagating the 3R principles of waste management including thermal recycling. (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Plastic waste management, (Source-ICS-UNIDO, 2001)

Thus this study aims to explore the techniques for producing RDF from municipal solid waste and
investigate the properties of RDF that is suited for partial fuelwood substitution in clay craft kilns as
well as small and medium scale industries using fuelwood. Different options in blending plastics with
other waste materials to obtain fuel with higher calorific values could also suggest the utilization of
RDF fuels in pottery making kilns and clay filter kilns.
Rationale of the study
Thus, the objective of this study is to produce RDF from combustible portion of MSW (paper, plastics,
biomass including rice husk, saw dust, etc.), which involves the mechanical processing of municipal
solid waste and examination of the thermal characteristics (calorific value and proximate analysis) of
RDF samples. In Nepal no effective research have been done related to waste to energy transformation
of MSW. Therefore, main focus of this study is to find out the energy and monetary value as well as
the emissions from RDF use and environmental effects of the RDF produced. In addition this study
aims to help different Municipalities across the country to help in the management of the waste
problem and encourage them to make RDF from a combustible portion of MSW. The research
approach here is twofold:
1. To help in the management of MSW to some extent by reducing the waste going to the landfill
by utilizing the combustible portion of the MSW to produce RDF briquettes and
2. To address the ever growing problems of fuel used in industries, including small and medium
scale industries, by providing an alternative fuel to fuelwood, coal and other fossil fuels.
Briquetting technology
Briquetting technology is one of the simple technologies practiced for making biomass based fuel
including wastes like milled paper, plastics and other combustible wastes. Densification can increase
the bulk density of raw product and uniform shape and density for utilization of handling and storage
(Sprenger, 2017). Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) that contain mixtures of paper, wood, green wastes,
food wastes, plastics, leather, and rubber can have energy characteristics similar to wood and other
fuels (Brás et al., 2017).
The heterogeneous composition of Municipal waste after processing (screening, drying, size reduction,
adding binder agents, etc.) can be used to produce quality briquettes (Krizan et al., 2011). Municipal
waste can be briquetted by using pre-treatment technology. High temperature and pressure is required
for briquetting the mixture of plastics and paper waste. The produced fuel briquette might be suitable
for use in industrial boilers and brick kilns but suitable control measure is applied to capture harmful
emission (Shrestha & Singh, 2011). The added plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and high-density
polyethylene (HDPE) can lead to better densification and high calorific value of briquette. The main
purpose of briquetting of loose materials is to reduce the volume and thereby increasing the energy
density. Briquetting technology used in this study is screw extruder technology, which was originally
used in the production of rice husk briquettes. The technical specifications of the briquetting units and
plastic and paper shredders are given in table 1 and table 1a and drawings of the briquetting equipment
are given in Figures 2 - 4.
The raw materials for briquetting is fed continuously through the hopper into a screw extruder (Fig 2)
from where the materials are compressed and forced into a cylindrical die. The briquetting of the
mixture of shredded plastic waste and other materials were extruded through a screw extruder at
different temperatures to produce cylindrical solid log type briquettes shown in table 2.

Figure 2. Sectional Elevation of Screw Extruder Briquetting Machine

 Figure 3. Detail drawing of Screw Figure 4. Detail Drawing of Die

Table 1. Specification of the screw extruder briquetting units

Part/parameter Small portable machine Big machine Remarks
Electric motor Singe phase or 3 phase 3 phase line
Rated capacity 3-5 HP 20 HP Can be changed
Speed 1470 rpm 960 rpm
Driving pulley
Diameter 2.5 in 4in
Type of groove V type V type
No of grooves 2 3 Can be changed
Material Cast iron Cast iron
Driven pulley
Diameter 18-19 in 12in
Type of groove V type V type
No of grooves 2 3 Can be changed
Material Cast iron Cast iron
Briquetting die or muff
Length 325mm 300 mm
Inner diam. at rear end 46mm 73 mm
Inner diam. at front end 40mm 60mm
Taper of die ~1 degree 1 degree
Diameter 40mm 60mm
Heater used 2000 watt 2000-4000 watt
Briquetting machine
Weight of machine ~125kg >250kg Weight may vary
Production capacity ~60kg/hr ~120kg/hr Av. for rice husk briquettes only
Approx. Cost (NRs) ~200,000.00 ~400,000.00 Cost is as of 2011
Density of briquette 1.15g/cc 1.15-1.2g/cc For rice husk only

Big screw extruder machine Small extruder machine New Shredding machine
 Table 1a. Specification of shredding machines
Shedding Power Cutting Pulley Shedding Weight Dimensions
machine blades capacity (LxBxH)
1. Paper NA maybe Cylindrical Gear box ~5-10kg/hr ~80 kg 18”x25”x37”
shredder ~ 1HP drum type system power depending upon
transmission the material
[Link] and 3 HP Side blades Driving 4” and ~ 15-20 kg/hr ~110 kg 22”x 36”x44”
paper (2.2kw), 3 -2 and roller driven 10” V- depending upon
shredder - phase line blades- 2 type, 2 belt the material
Version one motor,
rpm 1430
3. Plastic 5.5 HP Side blades Driving 4” and ~25-30 kg/hr ~150 kg 22”x44”x48”
and paper (4kw) , 3 (2 on each) driven 10”, V- depending upon
shredder - phase line 4 total and type, 2 belt the material
version two motor, roller
rpm 1440 blades - 2

Paper shredder Plastic Shredder Plastic Shredder – Prototype

- Prototype Version 1 version II
Limitations in the study period and mitigation measures
1. Weather – in the initial period of the study (July- August) the monsoon was still active with much
rainfall slowing the initial activities (sorting, drying and processing of raw materials).
 Tarpaulins were suspended in the open areas of CEEN premises so that even during rain fall
certain activities such as sorting, cleaning and drying could be conducted under the temporary
plastic roofs.
 Shredding of paper was done under this temporary settings using the old paper shredder and
disc mill till the new shredder machine was installed.
 Screening and processing of saw dust using net and magnets to remove solid wooden particles
and unwanted metallic particle like nails, screws, etc.
2. There was time limitation – Initially, movement of vehicles were still restricted due to COVID and
researchers had difficulty in commuting to CEEN. In addition the researchers had routine
examinations, which also delayed the research works.
 Local people were mobilized to sort, clean and shred the raw materials during the absence of
researchers
 Delay in the delivery of new shredding machine (almost one month delay) due to shortage of
workers and communication & transportation (COVID effect) to the Patan Industrial district,
where critical components (cutting blades) were being produced.
 Analysis of the raw materials in CEEN lab was also delayed due to the examinations and
practical works of the researchers. Students and researchers had to stay even late in the night
 (up to 9PM) to complete the tests. This was resolved later after proper time management and
work distribution among the researchers.
3. Due to time limitations both the extruders were not being used. The bigger extruder’s production
capacity was more so for production only it was used.
 Previous experience and initial test production of briquettes showed that, briquetting using the
small extruder was slow with slow flow of raw materials into the extruder machine. New feeder
was fabricated but preliminary test with the material feeder did not perform well.
 The bigger extruder had a larger hopper and feeding channel to the extrusion system, which
made feeding material easier than the smaller machine. Certain adjustments in increasing the
feeder hole made flow of raw materials better.
4. Testing the emissions of the RDF briquettes in the clay craft kilns was partially delayed due to
unavailability of SMS Engineering Co. and partially from the clay crafts.
 SMS Engineering Co always had busy schedule and most of the time they were operating
outside Kathmandu valley and was unable to devote time for CEEN. So sometimes we had to
perform emission tests in two places on same day.
 Attempts to measure emissions using other equipment (from CDES) did not prove appropriate.
To cross check results of SMS Engineering Co. quick test method using Kitagawa emission
tubes were used.
 In one case the results given by SMS Engineering Co for SO2 emissions showed errors
comparing with the results of Kitagawa tubes and led to misinformation and skewed results.
This showed that the reliability of results of SMS Co was questionable and next test had to be
conducted through SWAT lab in consultation with UNDP Accelerator Lab in Nepal.
 The testing of RDF fuel in the baking of flower pots were delayed due to the festival seasons,
unprepared kiln and insufficient amount of raw flower pots. Two members (owners) of the
community repaired the kiln. Nearly Rs 15,000/ was spent in the repair and preparation of the
kiln introducing a metallic grate, etc. Then, again guarantee to buy the baked flowers pots
expedited the process.

Experimental work part I

The briquetting process comprises of the following steps:
1. Collection and sorting of the raw materials – plastic waste, paper, saw dust, rice husk
2. Shredding of the waste – plastic waste/wrappers and paper in the shredding machine
3. Drying of the raw materials – sun drying for an hour is sufficient to remove the surface
moisture. Moisture should be ~10%. When this was not possible during rainy days, we had to
run the machine with the same materials two times. First run of the machine for partially drying
the raw materials.
4. Mixing of the different components (50:50% by weight plastics/wrappers and paper)
5. Briquetting using the mixtures at different temperatures (120 to 300oC)
6. Packing and weighing of the briquettes into PE/PP bags/sacks

To determine the optimum briquetting temperature the briquetting of 50:50% Wai/cheese ball plastic
wrappers/mixed plastic waste and paper were conducted at different temperatures ranging from 120oC
to 300oC by setting the temperature in the temperature control panel. The process was observed
carefully to obtain firm and strong log type briquettes (see pictures above) with minimum power
consumption and minimum emissions during the briquetting process. Good results were obtained
during briquetting at 150 and 300oC. Later, in all other experiments briquetting was conducted at
150oC.
Briquetting system used (with briquette Briquetting at ~ 150oC Briquetting
breaker & exhaust system) (Colour of briquettes pink) at ~ 300oC (...Black)
Laboratory analysis
The analysis of raw materials and briquettes were conducted in CEEN Biomass laboratory. The fuel
characteristics (Proximate analysis, calorific values and some physical parameters) of fuelwood, raw
materials and briquettes produced were determined in CEEN (Table 2). The results of the proximate
analysis is also reflected in the bar chart (Figure 5). Plastics material has the highest volatile matter
and lowest moisture content. Besides these characteristics and some physical parameters and
preliminary emission tests from combustion of briquettes were performed using the portable Kitagawa
gas tubes to study the nature of harmful emissions emitted during combustion of the RDF briquettes.

Table 2. Lab analysis reports - Proximate analysis of raw materials and briquettes
S.N. Sample name Moisture Ash content Volatile matter Fixed carbon
content (MC, (AC, wt. %) content (VM, (FC, wt. % )
wt. %) wt. %)
1 Briquette (50% 7.30 10.20 72.0 10.50
paper+50%
wrappers)
2 Paper 7.90 13.50 70.30 8.30
3 Plastic wrapper 3.67 5.06 85.27 6.00
only (100%)
( Wai wai)

Proximate analysis conducted as per Japan Industrial

Standard (JIS M 8812)
4 Wood used by 14.00 1.44 67.21 17.36
Clay craft (soft
wood, mostly
pine)
The calorific values of individual raw materials, fuelwood from Clay craft, RDF briquettes and some
physical parameters (density and color for the final products) are given in table 3. As expected plastic
wrappers has the highest calorific value (about 8000 kcal/kg) as its origin is petroleum products.
Hence, when blending it with other materials, the CV of the mixture (plastic wrappers and paper) also
increases (5450kcal/kg), which more than the value of paper (4265kcal/kg).
 Wt % Results of Proximate analysis of raw materials and briquette
90

80

70

60
50

40

30

20
10

0
MC (%) AC (%) VM (%) FC (%)

Briquette (W+P) Paper Wrapper wood

Figure 5. Results of Proximate analysis of raw materials and briquette

Table 3. Calorific value and physical parameters (Color and density)

N. Sample name Calorific Calorific value Density Color of briquettes
value (Calculated) (kg/m3)
(Experimental kcal/kg
value in Formula: CVBriq=
CEEN lab) CVpaper * 0.5
kcal/kg +CVwrapper * 0.5
1 Briquette (50% 5450 5558 ~580
paper +50% (MC
plastic wrappers) >12%)
2 Shredded Paper 3116 -
Pink
- Briquetting at
150oC
3 Shredded plastic 7998 - ~1000
wrappers, (Wai (MC
wai) <10%)
Toshniwal Black
bomb - briquetting at
calorimeter ~300oC

4 Wood used by 4265 Lit. value of soft -

Clay craft (soft wood with diff. MC
wood, mostly -4000-5800 kcal/kg
pine)
Moisture content of raw materials is a very important and deciding parameter during briquetting. When
raw materials with high moisture content is subjected to briquetting, briquette formation is very poor
(Table 4). The process of briquetting is abrupted with constant explosions from the die head,
discharging the moisture trapped in the form of water vapour. Briquetting is better when moisture
content is below 10%. Hence it is important to measure the moisture before briquetting.
 Table 4. Moisture content before and after briquetting (using portable moisture meter)
S.N. Sample name Moisture content (MC, wt. %) before Remarks
briquetting
In lab or store Outside lab or store 1. Moisture content
1 Shredded Paper (A4 size) ~ 8 – 10 ~11- 13 is very important
2 Shredded Plastic mixed ~10 ~12-14 parameter in
from MSW briquetting
3 Shredded plastic Wai ~5 ~ 8-10 2. Briquette
Wai wrappers formation is poor
4 Plastic and paper mixture ~10-12 15-20 when MC is >
before briquetting than 12-15%
Moisture content after briquetting
5 Briquettes from Wai and 5 - right after ~8-10 after about 10 Moisture is absorbed
paper production mins quickly by briquettes
N.B. * The paper used in this case is mainly A4 size, which was brought from Golden Gate
International College (GGIC). It consisted of examination answer papers of students.
*The plastic wrappers were brought form instant noodle factory of CG Company, Nawalparasi

Change of moisture after briquetting- random checking after briquetting

1. Emission test reports

[Link] test of wood fuel in Madhyapur Clay Craft on 13 August 2021
Start time of firing - 9:15 A.M., End time of firing - 6:35PM
The duration of firing the kiln was 9hrs and 20 mins when the final temperature reached 825oC.
Total fuel wood used in firing process was 135 kg for whole day process, mainly for heating and
baking the clay product. Final Temperature - 825oC. The test report is given in the annex.
The change of suspended particulate matter (SPM) during the firing process is give below in Table 5
and Figure 5a.
Table 5. Change in SPM
Temp Suspended particulate matter (SPM) (mg/Nm³)
5⁰C) SPM (mg/Nm³) 400
SPM (mg/Nm³)

330 - 500 307.79 307.79

200
500 - 700 81.62 81.62
0 35.5
700 - 850 35.5
Table 1: Suspended PM 330 - 500 500 - 700 700 - 850
Temperature (⁰C)

Figure 5a. Change in SPM during firing process

1.2. Emissions test of RDF briquettes without slaked lime
Start time of firing - 11:50am; End time of firing – 5:40pm (Total heating time 5 hrs. and 50 mins)
Amount of RDF briquettes (50% wai wai wrappers +50% paper) used = 70kg, Final Temp = 825oC,
The test report of emission is given in Annex.
1.3. Emission test of briquetting of Wai wai wrappers & paper (50:50%) at 300oC
The briquetting process should also produce harmful emissions, hence it was necessary to monitor the
emission during the briquetting process. During monitoring of the emissions during briquetting at
300oC, very little or negligible emissions was observe during briquetting. The emission report of
briquetting of RDF in CEEN is given in the annex.

Emission monitoring during briquetting at ~300oC in CEEN production workshop

1.4. RDF briquettes emissions report with 10% slaked lime
Start time of firing - 10:40 am; End time of firing – 16:30 pm (Total firing time 5 hrs. and 50 mins)
Amount of RDF briquettes (50% wai wai wrappers +50% paper) used in firing = 56.5kg, Final Temp
= 835oC. All the test reports are given in the annex.
The results of all the tests conducted in Madhyapur Clay Craft is given in the following table 6 in an
integrated form so that easy comparison and quick analysis can be drawn.
Table 6. Integrated table of emissions
Parameters Emissions Emission Emissions Emissions Govt Standard
(values are during firing during during firing during firing SPM for brick
measured one with wood fuel briquetting of with RDF with RDF + industry (GON,
time) RDF 10 % lime 2018).
3
PM (mg/Nm ) 35.5 15.3 29.7 56.8 *100-250 (Max
limit); 230 (24
hr)
SOx (mg/l) 0.19 0.01 0.015 0.012 ** 50 (annual);
(190mg/m3) (10 mg/m3) (15mg/m3) 12mg/m3) 70 (24hrs) mg/m3
NOx (mg/l) 0.16 -0.73 0.1 0.12 0.03 **40 (annual); 80
(160-730 mg/m3) (100mg/m3) (120mg/m3) (30mg/m3) (24hrs) mg/m3
CO (%) >0.4 if % vol.** 0.016 0.25 0.06 **10,000 mg/m3
(400mg/m3) (16mg/m3) (250mg/m3) (60mg/m3) (8hrs)
Velocity(m/s) 2.5 1.2 3.5 1.19
Temp (oC) 198 30 123 145
* Likewise, SPM level for Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) and Hybrid Hoffman Kiln (HHK) has been set at 250
mg/Nm3 and 200 mg/Nm3 respectively. Tunnel Kilns’ SPM has been fixed at 100 mg/Nm3 and its stack height at 10
meters.
[Link]
**[Link]
** If concentration is expressed in % volume then conversion is value x 1000 = mg/m3
For better understanding and comparative analysis, the data of the emissions results are presented in
graphical form below. The graphical form gives a better visual representation of the data. The emission
of SOx, NOx and CO is highest for wood fuel and least (negligible) for firing using RDF with 10% slaked lime.
Emissions during briquetting of RDF is negligible.

Emissions during briquetting and RDF firing and standard values

(mg/m3) for brick industries
500
450
Standard values of CO for brick industries is
400 10,000mg/m3 for 24 hrs (mg/m3)
350
300
St Value for
250 SO2 - mg/m3 St Value for NOx
200
- 80 mg/m3

150
100
50
0
woodfuel During briquetting RDF firing RDF firing (10% Standard values for
Slaked lime) Brick Industries

SO2 NOx CO

Figure 6. Acidic emission during briquetting and RDF firing using different fuels

Except for RDF with lime, SPM is highest for fuelwood (Figure 7). The raw filter candles contain
some internal fuel (saw dust), which emit additional CO during firing with RDF with lime.

PM (mg/Nm3) The Stand. Value of SPM for

brick industries is 230mg/Nm3
60
40
20
0
Emissions during firing Emission during Emissions during firing Emissions during firing
with wood fuel briquetting of RDF with RDF with RDF + 10 % lime

Figure 7. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) using different fuels

[Link] report using Kitagawa gas tubes

Operation of Kitagawa gas detector tube system is presented below.
 Experimental set up for conducting the tests

Air supply knob

Glimpses of the test with Kitagawa gas tubes

The experimental setup consist of a stove which has a fan for air supply. The air supply can be adjusted
from slow to high amount of air. This setup is like a miniature model of the kiln where the RDF
briquettes are tested. For this kiln a blower of 1/2hp is used to supply air into the combustion chamber.
For full combustion of the RDF briquettes the Air: fuel ratio must be high more than that for fuelwood.
For fuelwood the air fuel ratio is 1 is to 6. It has to be 1:6 or more using blower. In this setup the RDF
briquettes of 50:50% wrappers and paper were used. The emissions were monitored randomly
using standard Kitagawa gas tubes with intervals of 10-20 minutes (Table 7).

Table 7. Emission report of RDF (50:50) wrappers &paper using Kitagawa gas tubes in CEEN lab
No SO2 ppm NOx ppm HCl ppm Remarks
1 17 30 12 The values fluctuate and max
2 25 45 50 value can be taken for monitoring
3 34 40 300 emissions. Some. ~15 test were
4 48 40 500 max done.
5 50 60
6 60 max 60
7 60 max
8 125 (coal) Some coal was added to the stove to compare values
SO2 ppm NOx ppm SMS Engineering Co. data
0.19 0.16-0.73 Emission during firing with wood
0.015 0.12 Emission during firing with RDF
0.012 0.03 Emission during firing with RDF with slaked lime
Note: 1. Conversion - 1 mg/L = 1 parts per million (ppm) for dilute solutions
2. Kitagawa tubes were used directly over the stove so values will be higher.
3. Values measured by SMS Engineering Co. is at the chimney outlet.

Capturing harmful emission

The emission report during combustion of the RDF using a stove with fan for air supply in CEEN lab
shows that harmful acidic emissions of SO2, NOx and HCl emitted during combustion and this has to
be neutralized if RDF briquettes are going to be used in industrial kilns. For neutralization waste
material - slaked lime or Ca(OH)2, the residue discarded after acetylene gas production will be utilized
by mixing up to 10% by weight with the plastic wrappers and paper during RDF production. The
photos of the gas tubes after testing are given below.

Emission report in clay craft during firing with RDF containing 10% slaked lime
Since the pollution of plastic combustion is a sensitive social issue and SMS Engineering was more
specialized on checking the emissions of brick industries, it could not give emissions of HCl. So it was
necessary to crosscheck and confirm the results acquired by another method. The results of the
emission using Kitagawa gas tubes is given in Table 8 and Figure 8.

Table 8. Emission report using Kitagawa gas tubes in Clay craft

No SO2 ppm NOx ppm HCl ppm CO ppm Temp(oC) Remarks
1 150 10 350 1100 Without slaked lime
2 25 negligible 50 550 440 With 10 % slaked lime
3 negligible negligible Negligible 700 740 With 10 % slaked lime
3 negligible negligible Negligible 20 810 With 10 % slaked lime

(ppm) Emissions of RDF with and without slaked lime

1200 1100

1000

800 700

600 550

400 350

150
200
25 10 50 20
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0
SO2 ppm NOx ppm HCl ppm CO ppm

without lime~400oC with 10% sl lime"440oC"

with 10% sl lime 740oC" with 10% sl lime"810oC"

Figure 8. Emissions of RDF, with and without 10% slaked lime

The above results in the table 8 and figure 8 show that the addition of slaked lime reduces the harmful
emissions such as SO2, NOX and HCl. As the combustion temperature increases from 404 to 810oC
the values of harmful emissions are negligible. So addition of 10 % slaked lime in all cases of RDF
briquettes firing in clay craft kilns, the harmful emissions can be very well controlled. The data given
in table 6, which was recorded using stack emission analyzer during firing the kiln with RDF + 10%
lime was negligible in comparison with RDF without slaked lime. The values recorded were SOX –
0.015mg/l, NOX-0.12mg/l, CO-0.25% for RDF without lime and 0.12mg/l, 0.03mg/l and 0.06%
respectively for RDF with 10% slaked lime.

All tested tubes SO2 tube NOx, HCl and SO2 tubes
Experimental work part II
In the course of research different versions of the RDF I-III were also produced and their fuels
properties studied so as to explore the possibilities of utilization of RDF in other small and medium
scale industries as fuel. The results are given in Table 9.

Table 9. Fuel characteristics of different combinations of fuel

Raw materials & Moisture Volatile Ash Fixed Carbon Calorific Calculated Density
briquettes Content Matter Content Content Content (wt. value CV (kg/m3)
(wt. %) (wt. % ) (wt. %) %) (kcal/kg) (kcal/kg)
Rice Husk 9.55 60.72 21.74 7.99 3718
Cardboard paper 5.46 67.52 11.97 15.04 3838
Paper 7.90 70.30 13.50 8.30 3116
Plastic wrapper only 3.67 85.27 5.06 6.00 7998
(100%) ( Wai wai)
Plastic wrappers + 7.30 72.0 10.20 10.50 5450
paper briquettes
II- Cardboard paper 4.62 75.23 9.30 10.86 5316 5918 1018.5
+ wrapper Briquette
Mixed plastics 3.46 82.64 10.4 3.51 8209
III- Mixed plastics + 3.58 67.57 14.85 14.01 5613 5963.5 1247.4
Rice Husk Briquette
Saw dust 7.49 73.14 1.24 18.13 4901
I- Mixed plastics 2.05 77.67 11.63 8.64 6538 7116.6 1017.0
(70%) + Saw dust
(30%) Briquette
Note: The proximate analysis was carried out for the received sample following JIS 8812 standard method.
Note: The calorific value was determined using sample (as received) by following IP-12 corresponding to IS: 1359-1959
standard method, using calibrated Toshniwal Digital Bomb Calorimeter.

In experimental work I, it was observed that the density of the briquettes formed was not uniform,
ranging from ~580 to ~1000kg/m3, depending upon the temperature of briquetting and the moisture
content of materials. In case of some mixtures like rice husk and saw dust briquette formation was not
smooth and irregular. Hence, to increase the residence time of the briquetting materials in the heated
die and to ensure smooth operation of the briquetting unit to produce uniform briquettes, a longer
tapered die was fabricated and used.

Briquetting using short die and Briquetting using longer die

Briquetting at 150oC using the new die gave firm and strong log type briquettes with density over
1000kg/m3 in all the cases (table 9). However, the production capacity of the machine decreased to
~25 kg/hr. The analysis results (table 8) show that the ash content of the briquettes range from 11.63
(saw dust + mixed plastics), 14.85% (mixed plastics +rice husk) and 9.30% (cardboard and wrappers),
which are similar except for rice husk, which itself has high amount of ash. The calorific values of
cardboard paper + wrappers (5316) and paper + wrappers (5450) are very similar, whereas briquettes
containing mixed plastics are higher 5613 and 6538 kcal/kg.

I- Mixed plastics (70%) + II- Cardboard paper + III- Mixed plastics +

Saw dust (30%) Briquette, wrapper Briquette Rice Husk Briquette

The emission results obtained from the tests in firing the kiln to bake flower pots of different shape
and sizes are given in table 10. This test was performed using 3 types of RDF (I-III) briquettes and the
emissions from them were measured consecutively during the firing process, observing a certain time
gap 0f 15-30 minutes during switching of the fuels.

Firing of the kiln to bake flower pots

The RDF briquettes produced using different raw materials were used in firing of the kiln to bake
flower pots. The firing kiln consist of three units (see photos below). The central unit was used for
testing the RDF briquettes. This unit normally consumes ~400kgs of fuelwood to bake around 600pcs
of flower pots. The duration of the firing period lasts nearly 11hrs to reach a temperature of the baking
chamber up to 850oC. The testing of briquettes in this kiln was performed on 3 November 2021. Nearly
460 flower pots of different sizes and shapes (see pictures below) were loaded one day earlier. The
firing of the kiln was started using fuelwood initially. As per the opinion of the local potters, the high
heat from briquettes could crack the flower pots in the initial stage if the temperature rises fast. The
process was initiated at 7 AM in the morning using 50 kg of fuelwood. Thereafter, the briquettes were
added into the kiln and a blower was used to supply additional air. The emission from combustion of
briquettes were monitored using the equipment of SWAT lab. SMS Engineering measured the
emissions in the outlet of the chimney, while SWAT lab measured emissions at the ambient level.

Unbaked flower pots ToC max of baking chamber Baked flower pots Unloaded baked pots
The firing of the kiln was stopped at 3:30 PM once the temperature of the chamber reached 915oC and
remained stable around 900oC. The remaining amount of briquettes was recorded and the amount used
for firing was about 150 kg. In total the fuel consumed was 50kgs fuelwood and 150 kg of RDF
briquettes. Assuming 50kg of fuelwood as equivalent to 50 kgs of briquettes, then the total fuel used
comes to about 200kg. This could mean that in comparison to fuelwood, the amount of RDF briquettes
used will be 50% only. Since three types of briquettes were used, the emissions were monitored
accordingly at different intervals. The emission report of all the fuels used is given in table 10. Report
of the emissions using 3 types of fuel show that the SO2 (0.05, 0.03 and 0.04mg) and NO2 (0.17, 0.04
and 0.03mg) emissions are almost in the same level and very low and negligible. In the case of PM the
emissions are also in the same range and negligible.

Table 10. Integrated table of emissions of firing kilns

Parameters 1Emissions 1Emissions 2Emissions during firing 1Emissions

recorded during firing during firing with RDF of different types during firing
with wood with RDF-1 (wrappers and paper) with RDF-5
fuel (Wai wai + 10 %
wrappers 3 types of fuels tested slaked lime
and paper) RDF- 2 RDF- 3 RDF-4
PM (mg/Nm3) 35.5 29.7 5.02 3.75 2.58 56.8
TSP (mg/Nm3) - - 162.77 121.33 169.93 -
SOx (mg/l) 0.19 0.015 0.05 0.03 0.04 0.012
NOx (mg/l) 0.16 -0.73 0.12 0.17 0.04 0.03 0.03
CO (%) >0.4 0.25 - - <1 0.06
Velocity (m/s) 2.5 3.5 - - - 1.19
Temp (oC) 198 123 ~300 ~600 ~800 145
N.B. 1-Emission monitoring by SMS Engineering Co.
2-Emission monitoring by SWAT Lab

Capturing major learnings on the environment effects

Based on the series of tests reports and analysis the following conclusions can be drawn.
1. Fuelwood has been the main fuel used in the firing and baking of clay products (flower pots and
water filter components) in Madhyapur Thimi in different clay crafts. Comparative study of
combustion emissions from fuelwood and RDF briquettes show that emissions of SOX (0.19mg/l)
for fuelwood is much higher than from different RDF briquettes: (RDF-1=0.015, RDF-2=0.05,
RDF-3=0.03, RDF-4=0.04 and RDF-5=0.012 mg/l) (Table 10). Although the SOX emissions for
RDF briquettes are very low and negligible, they can be totally controlled using waste slaked lime
from carbide welding workshops, like the results for RDF-5.
2. Likewise, a similar picture can be seen for the NOX emissions. NOX for fuelwood (0.16-0.73mg/l)
is highest, whereas for the RDF briquettes the NOX emissions are much lower in the range of 0.03
to 0.17mg/l (Table 10). Here to the lowest value is for RDF-5, where slaked lime is used to capture
the harmful emissions.
3. Even in the case of CO emissions the value of CO emissions is the lowest for RDF-5 (0.06mg/l).
This is also visible from the test results using Kitagawa emission tubes (Figure 8). The results in
figure 8 confirms the results discussed above.
4. It further illustrates that slaked lime is able to capture all kinds of acidic emission including HCl
coming from the combustion of RDF briquettes. The results of the HCl emissions in figure 8 clearly
shows this.
5. Another positive side of slaked lime - Ca(OH)2 is that, it acts as a heat enhancer. That is it has the
ability to store some heat in it, which can be slowly released later. The remaining ash from
combustion will contain CaSO4 and can be used in the soil as fertilizer, if it is available in large
amounts.
6. Results of the suspended particulate matter (SPM) using different fuels (Figure 7) shows that SPM
for RDF briquettes is less than fuelwood, which is also one positive aspect.
7. In terms of amount of fuel consumption during firing of the kilns and time duration of firing, RDF
has a better advantage over fuelwood in both tests – in Madhyapur Clay Craft and Community
kiln. Only half the amount of fuelwood (135kgs in Madhyapur clay craft kiln and 400kg in
Community kiln) can complete the firing by using RDF (70, 56.5kg and 200kg respectively) in
both types of kilns. The advantage of RDF is illustrated in the table (tables 11 and 12) below. The
time duration of firing is shortened by 3hrs and 30 mins and 2hrs. and 30 mins respectively.

Table 11. Madhyapur Clay craft

Fuel type RDF Difference RDF +10% Difference
(wrappers (advantage slaked lime (advantage
and paper) over wood) over wood)
Fuelwood 135 kg 70kg 65 kg saving 56.5kg saving 78.5kg
Duration 9hrs & 5 hrs. & 50 3hrs. & 30 5 hrs. & 50 3hrs & 30
20 min mins mins saving mins mins saving
Final Temp. 825oC. o
825 C No 835oC 10oC

Table 12. Community kiln for flower pots

Fuel type RDF-1,2,4 Difference (advantage over wood)
Fuelwood 400 kg ~200kg 200 kg saving
Duration 11hrs 8 hrs. & 30 mins 2hrs. & 30 mins saving
Final Temp. 850oC. 915oC 65oC higher

Experimental work part III - Cold compression briquetting

The above screw extruder briquetting process requires electricity to operate the heaters, which are
fixed to the die/muff. In addition the briquetting unit is operated with a 20 HP motor. Preliminary
estimates showed that to produce 27 kgs of RDF briquettes about 4 kwh of electricity are required,
which adds up (~Rs 40) to the cost of production. So the cost of production of these types of briquettes
will naturally go up. To make the RDF briquettes competitive to fuelwood and other solid fuels, the
cost of production should be low in the range of fuelwood cost in the market. The cost of fuelwood in
the current market ranges from Rs 8 to 20 per kg, depending upon the type of wood.
With the objective of lowering the cost of production and explore the possibility of producing RDF
briquettes without the application of heat, the cold compression method was used. Although this
activity was beyond the scope of work of the current project, it was worthwhile to trying out this option
also. Hence, experiments were conducted to produce RDF briquettes without using heat, using only
cold compression, in a hydraulic press, available in CEEN. The press was operated by a 10 ton
hydraulic jack used by trucks. To ensure uniformity while mixing the plastic waste and paper, a mixer
operated by a drill machine was used and the paper used was mainly shredded in the disc mill. The
disc mill shreds the paper to give shredded paper in a fibrous form appearing something like cotton,
which when wet gives good binding effect.
 40:60%

50:50%

Mixing using drill Hydraulic compression Removal of blocks Drying of RDF

Two experiments were conducted. First, a mixture of 40:60 of mixed plastic waste with paper was
compressed in the machine to see if briquette formation was possible. The briquettes, after drying in
the sun for a few days, were found to be very stable and strong. Next a mixture of 50:50 wai wai noodle
wrappers and paper was compressed in the same machine. These briquettes/blocks also remained
stable and strong after drying for a few days in the sun. The briquette using wrappers displayed colorful
wrapper particles, whereas briquettes using mixed plastic waste had few visible plastic particles. The
mixtures of such types could also undergo cold briquetting using extruder machines. If binding is poor
some binders can also be used.
No tests were performed with these RDF briquettes as it was beyond the scope of the work of this
current project. Nevertheless, these cold pressed briquettes should undergo a series of tests analysis to
prove its competitiveness. Cost of production has to be calculated, Properties such as density, breaking
strength, combustion emissions, fuel characteristics (proximate analysis, calorific values), etc. should
be determined. All these tasks could be projections and activities for future research work.
Some cost analysis of RDF briquette
The cost analysis and calculation was done taking in to consideration the following factors: Raw
materials cost (both plastics and paper wastes), Transportation cost of the materials to CEEN, Cost of
processing – sorting, cleaning drying and processing, cost of grinding of raw materials – labor and
electricity cost, Cost of production – labor and electricity costs, machinery/equipment cost, some
contingency cost, etc. The estimated cost of RDF briquettes is given in table 13 below.

Briquette production was around 30kg/hr. or ~240 kg/day. One unit or kwh can produce about ~7 kg
of RDF briquettes. Regarding shredding of raw materials the average shredding capacity is about
18kg/hr. Based on these estimates the cost of tentative production has been calculated.
Next to reduce the cost of briquettes, certain factors such as cost of the raw materials (plastic and paper
wastes), transportation cost of raw materials to the production site, etc. can be negotiated. Furthermore,
instead of using hot compression (heating and extruder) cold compression can also be applied to reduce
the cost of briquette production.
A picture shows square briquettes produced using hydraulic press to compress pulp mixture of paper
and plastics waste 60:40% by weight. This will exclude the electricity cost spent on heating and
briquetting. At present the cost of production of briquettes using hydraulic press cannot be stated as
this was just an experiment to see if briquette formation is possible using such method. More
experiments were conducted to produce briquettes with 50:50% plastics with paper and 70:30 %
plastics with paper. A second lot of cold compression briquettes were produced using 50:50% wrappers
and paper in the hydraulic press. In future different composition of materials will be used in hydraulic
press to get briquettes and then such mixtures will be used in cold extrusion process to get RDF
briquettes.
 Table 13. Cost Estimation of RDF (NRs/Kg)
N. Particular Cost (NRs/Kg) Remarks
1 Raw Material (paper & plastic) 2.5 1 truck/tractor costs Rs 5000
(including material & transportation)
2 Electricity cost 5 half unit 0.5 kwh
2 labour costs Rs 1400 (@NRs 700 per
3 Labour cost 2.8 person per day
4 Machinery cost 5 Depreciation/repair & maintenance
5 Packaging 3
6 Miscellaneous 2
7 Profit 5
Total Estimated Price Per Kg 25.3 Without profit Rs 20.3/kg
N.B. This initial cost estimate was calculated on the basis of data accumulated for Birtamod of Jhapa from where the
first research student came from.

The cost estimates of RDF briquettes are still on the higher side. It can compete with the biomass
briquette fuels (rice husk briquettes – Rs 35/kg and piston press saw dust briquettes – Rs30 to 35/kg)
produced in the country. The coal price in the market is not stable and has increased to > than Rs 35/kg
or more depending upon the quality. The fuelwood cost is also rising. Soft wood price is Rs 6-12/kg
depending upon the physical condition (old or new, wet or dry) and source. The wood being used in
the Clay craft comes from old demolished buildings, so it is cheaper than fresh wood from the market.
In normal times the price of fuel wood goes from Rs 15 and above whereas hard wood (saal, sisau,
etc) is more costly up to ~Rs 35/kg. During time of crisis (blockade) the price was more than Rs 40/kg.
Charcoal and charcoal briquettes cost from Rs 30 to Rs 120/kg. The price of coal used in industries is
also in the increasing trend, which is worrying the brick industries. The price of different fuels in
Nepalese market are given in table 14. In comparison to most of the fuels given in the table the price
of RDF seems to be competitive and reasonable. If the emissions for the combustion is low and could
be produced in large scale it could serve as an alternative fuel to fuelwood coal, etc. for industrial use.
Table 14. The price of different fuels in the market
Fuel Cost in 1990 Cost in 2005 Cost in 2014 Cost in 2017 Cost in 2021
Fuelwood *Rs 2-4/kg *Rs 6-8/kg *Rs 20-15/kg ~*Rs 30-40/kg *Rs 15- 35/kg
Kerosene Rs 6-13/liter Rs 30-39/liter Rs 103/liter Rs 78/liter Rs 119/liter
RDF CEEN - - - - Rs 10-12/kg
Rice husk Rs 5/kg Rs 8-15/kg Rs 25-30/kg Rs 30-35/kg ~Rs 35
briquette
Beehive NA Rs 15/pc Rs 25-30/pc Rs 30-35/pc ~Rs 40/pc
briquette
Charcoal & char - - - - ~Rs 120-
briquettes (oval) 200/kg
Coal - - - Rs 26/kg Rs 36-70/kg
LPG Rs 380/cyl Rs 900/cyl Rs 1470/cyl Rs 1350/cyl Rs 1575/cyl
N.B. * Cost of fuelwood is just the collection cost. Actual cost will include cost from the time of plantation, nurturing,
etc. which is almost double the collection cost. So the real coat will be higher.
Costs of other fuels given in the table are from different websites: like NOC, FNCCI, Namuna Biomass, Himalayan
Naturals, etc.
The Clay craft owner suggests that RDF fuel will find a market value even if it is twice the price of
fuelwood because in his case, he can use less than 50% (56.5 kg RDF in comparison with 135kg fuel
wood) to fire his kilns. Wood fuel contains high moisture, it is bulky and difficult to handle, whereas
the RDF is easier to handle and ignite. The time of firing is reduced by almost an hour and quality of
product does not change.
So if the Municipalities can deliver the MSW free of cost to the RDF production site, instead of
transporting it a long distance to landfill site, the cost of RDF will certainly be reduced and will be fuel
of choice for many industrial units, like clay craft, brick kilns, etc.
With the assumptions that the raw materials will be available free of cost through the municipality, the
cost of production was revised, which is given below in Table 15. This includes the minimum labor
cost for sorting, shredding, cleaning and briquetting. Considering these factors the cost of the briquettes
will be about Rs12.4 per kg which is represented in the table as Case I. If the MSW is delivered free
to the site after source segregation the cost could go down further. If transportation cost can be
deducted the cost of briquette will go down to Rs 10.17 as reflected in Case II. The price given in case
I and case II further assumes that the cost does not include rent of land and office.
Both the prices reflected in case I and case II could be very competitive in view of the rising price of
fuelwood, coal, petroleum products.
Table 15. Cost of production
Particular Case I Case II Remarks
Cost (NRs/kg) Cost (NRs/kg)
Raw Material (paper, Free Free Free
plastic and other materials)
Transportation cost 2 Free 1000kg cost Rs2000
Electricity cost 2 2 Shredding and briquetting
(Unit price Rs 10)
Labor cost for sorting, 2 2 labor costs of 2 persons
shredding, briquetting 1800
Machinery cost 5 5 Depreciation and repair
maintenance
Packaging 0.25 0.25 20-25kg bag cost Rs 5*
Miscellaneous 1.125 0.925 10%
Profit Not considered here.
Estimated Price Per Kg 12.375 10.175
1. * This is the price of PP or PE bags when you buy in bulk. Recyclable used cement bags are bit cheaper ~Rs2 per
piece. Cost of packing per kg will be Rs 0.10. Cost will be Rs 10.025/kg (case II). Till today rice husk briquettes,
charred briquettes come in used cement bags.
2. Paper and other material will be more costly and not durable.

Conclusions and recommendations

 From the results of combustion tests in the clay craft kilns, it can be concluded that RDF briquettes
have a great advantage over fuelwood in terms of amount of fuel to be used. The same work can
be completed with about half the amount using RDF.
 The time duration of firing the clay craft kilns are also shortened by couple of hours, without
compromising with the quality of the final products.
 In terms of combustion emissions also, RDF has an advantage over fuelwood with lower and
negligible emissions of SOX, NOX, CO, PM, etc. Most of the acidic emission coming from the
 combustion of RDF can be captured by using slaked lime which is also a waste product from gas
welding workshops. This gives a good example or picture of the concept of Waste to Energy
(W2E).
 The screw extruder machine used for producing RDF briquettes was primarily designed for
briquetting of rice husk, so it has to be adapted in using it for RDF production making necessary
changes in the raw materials feeding system, the briquetting producing die, increasing production
capacity, repairing the screw with hard surfacing welding rods to increasing the operating hours.
 One screw made from mild steel can operate tentatively to produce about 100 to 200 kg of RDF
briquettes depending upon the material that is used, after which the first flight of the screw gets
worn out (see picture below). Thereafter, briquette formation is weak and the screw has to be
changed. Mixed plastics from the MSW contain substantial amounts of soil and rice husk has high
ash content.
 The temperature controlling system (relay system) to heat the die does not uniformly heat the die.
This is more evident when using the ling die. The temperature fluctuation ranges 40- to 50oC. The
controlling system has to be changed to maintain the die temperature in the range of plus minus 5-
10oC only to maintain smooth production.
 Cold compression briquetting using a hydraulic press was initiated to lower the cost of production.
Briquette blocks with composition of 40:60% plastic waste and paper and 50:50% Wrappers and
paper were produced using hydraulic press. The briquettes from this production process needs to
be tested and the production process be improved.
 The emissions tests conducted were just preliminary tests conducted by companies that are mainly
occupied with emission analysis of brick as well as some energy related industries. For RDF
briquette fuels more tests should be performed to study other emissions like polyaromatic organic
pollutants (POP), dioxin, dibenzofurans, HCl and other pollutants that may arise from the
combustion of plastics.
 The remaining ash from combustion can contain all kinds of metals (especially when wrappers are
used) and also need to be studied. Furthermore, study of the micro plastic particle that may remain
the ash also need to be studied.
 Most of the plastic wastes especially wrappers are very colorful and the effect of dyeing chemicals,
the plasticizers and other additives introduced during plastic processing also have to be considered.
 The companies that perform combustion emission analysis in Nepal do not seem to follow uniform
testing methodology. Testing cost are high but cannot be completely relied upon. In our case we
had to use quick test methods using Kitagawa emission tube to cross check the results for sulfur
dioxide.
 The RDF products need to be tested in better facilities other than Nepal. Opportunities to conduct
test in better laboratories should be open in the future.
Way forward
 The current research should be continued to improve the RDF briquetting production process to
improve the production process, quality of the product, product diversification to substitute other
fuels (coal, diesel, furnace oil, etc.) in different industrial establishment and boilers.
 Small experimental and demonstration unit for the production of RDF briquettes should be set up
firstly in Thimi in close collaboration with the municipality and further in Bhaktapur.
 Besides using the hot briquetting process, cold briquetting process which can lower the cost of
briquettes also need to be studied and explored. These RDF briquettes also should be tested,
analyzed and used as an alternative fuel for different industrial use.
 The scope of use of RDF briquettes for gasification and power generation should also be explored.
 1. Some glimpses of works conducted

Sorting of plastic wastes Wai wai Plastic wrappers Shredding machine made with UN support
in
Mixing shredded plastic Monitoring briquette prod.
Wrappers and paper

Briquetting T – 143oC
Shredding plastics wrappers

Closing of fuel feeding hole

RDF production/collection 60:40 plastic + paper Firing kiln with wood

Emission monitoring for wood fuel and RDF Unbaked candles Baked candles
paper
 2. Additional Photos of Processing of raw materials

Sorting, drying and packing of plastics waste

Seiving of saw dust & Sorting and shredding of paper in disc mill Worn out screw
magnetic removal of metals

1 2 3
. . .

Feeding RDF in central kiln Monotorng emissions Unbaked pots Baked flower pots

PaPPacking

1.5
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 Annex
Emission report of firing kiln using wood fuel
Emission report of firing kiln using RDF briquettes
 Test Report of RDF with 10% slaked lime

Sample Code No. S35/2078/79 Lab Entry No. L39/2078/79 Report No.:40/2078/79
Date of Sampling: 2078-06-12
Sample Received Date: 2078-06-12 Report Issue Date: 2078-06-13
Name of Client: Madhyapur Clay Craft Pvt. Ltd
Name and Address of Industry: Madhyapur Clay Craft Pvt. Ltd, Madhyapur Thimi-05, Bhaktapur,
Province-03, Nepal

Sample Collector: Monitoring Team of SMS Environment and Engineering

Parameters Unit Observed Value Nepal Standard
PM mg/Nm3 56.8 -
CO % 0.06 -
Velocity m/s 1.19 -
o
Temperature C 145 -
SOx mg/L 0.012 -
NOx mg/L 0.03 -

…..………….. ………………….
Analyzed by Authorized by:

Notes:
1. The results refer only to the parameters tested of the samples
2. This report cannot be reproduced except in full without prior approval of SMS lab
3. Tested samples will be retained only for a period of 30 days from the date of issue of this report unless
otherwise specified