Dispersion modelling and measurement of emissions from the co-combustion of meat and bone meal with peat in a fluidised bed

Due to the ban on meat and bone meal (MBM) as an animal feed, combustion with energy recovery has been considered a viable alternative usage for the mounting stocks of MBM. The effects of the co-combustion of MBM and peat on flue gas emissions and fluidisation were studied using a bubbling fluidised bed (BFB) test facility (20 kW). The dispersion of emissions such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen chloride (HCl) and particulates was investigated for a proposed site and compared to the relevant national and international regulations. Concentrations of NO2, CO and HCl were less than 10% of legislative and guideline thresholds while ground level concentrations of SO2 were also below relevant EU and world guidelines. The results indicate the potential for using MBM as a co-fuel with peat in a BFB while maintaining high air quality standards.