Date of Award
6-2011
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering
Department
Chemical and Paper Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. John Cameron
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
Measurement of the heat content and combustion characteristics of waste waxcoated corrugated containerboard shows it to be a significant and novel source of efficient thermal energy with heat content values significantly higher than pelletized wood pellets currently used in residential heating. Heat value for waste wax coated corrugated was measured to be approximately 27 kilojoules per gram, compared to 16 kilojoules per gram for standard wood pellets. Separation and measurement of wax content and corrugated containerboard substrate and comparison of heat values and combustion rates of constituent components indicate contributing heat and combustion rate values. Combustion rate data, extrapolated from calorimetry data, shows similar combustion rates, indicating compatibility with current standard pellet heating systems. Densification of wax-coated corrugated into pellets form appears to inhibit combustion rate to a level similar to that of standard wood pellets, and uncompressed wax-coated corrugated burned at a significantly faster rate than standard wood pellets. Observations of characteristic data indicate further research into waste wax coated corrugated containerboard for conversion into meterable solid fuel is warranted.
Recommended Citation
Pergiel, Michael C., "Energy Recovery from Waste Wax-Coated Corrugated Containerboard" (2011). Masters Theses. 397.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/397