Non-Burn Treatment of Health Care Risk Waste

Authors: Jefrey Pilusa, Tumisang Seodigeng

Abstract:

This research discusses a South African case study for the potential of utilizing refuse-derived fuel (RDF) obtained from non-burn treatment of health care risk waste (HCRW) as potential feedstock for green energy production. This specific waste stream can be destroyed via non-burn treatment technology involving high-speed mechanical shredding followed by steam or chemical injection to disinfect the final product. The RDF obtained from this process is characterised by a low moisture, low ash, and high calorific value which means it can be potentially used as high-value solid fuel. Due to the raw feed of this RDF being classified as hazardous, the final RDF has been reported to be non-infectious and can blend with other combustible wastes such as rubber and plastic for waste to energy applications. This study evaluated non-burn treatment technology as a possible solution for on-site destruction of HCRW in South African private and public health care centres. Waste generation quantities were estimated based on the number of registered patient beds, theoretical bed occupancy. Time and motion study was conducted to evaluate the logistics viability of on-site treatment. Non-burn treatment technology for HCRW is a promising option for South Africa, and successful implementation of this method depends upon the initial capital investment, operational cost and environmental permitting of such technology; there are other influencing factors such as the size of the waste stream, product off-take price as well as product demand.

Keywords: Autoclave, disposal, fuel, incineration, medical waste.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1132349

References:

[1] South African Government. Framework Document on the Management of Health Care Waste, May 2000. Pretoria: Government Printer, 2000.
[2] South African Government. Hazardous Substances Act No.15 of 1973. Pretoria: Government Printer, 1973.
[3] South African Bureau of Standards. SABS 0228 5: 2010.Pretoria: SABS, 2010.
[4] Love P. Hazardous waste has health risks. Reputation Matters, 14 February 2013.
[5] SABS News. Medical waste removed from illegal dumping site in Bloemfontein, Tuesday 2 December 2014 20:30.
[6] Hospital and Nursing Year book, 2013/2014. Pharmaceutical Printers & Publishers.
[7] B.A., Sara Stumph (2002). “A Field Test of the Antimicrobial Activity of the PIWS300 Grinder/Cold-Ster System for the Disinfection of Medical Waste Using M.tarrae. MicroChem Laboratory, Inc. Lab Notebook NMC-113.
[8] G.B., Chiono, A.P. Chiono (2008).” Convertor Working Modalities and Powdering of Slaughtering By-Products”. Officine Meccaniche Pejrani S.R.L OMPECO Technical Report 2067/08.
[9] J.D. Murphy, E. Mckeogh, (2004). “Technical, economic and environmental analysis of energy production from municipal solid waste” Renewable Energy, Volume 29, Issue 7, 1043–1057.
[10] M., Gianpiero, P. Roberto (2000). “A method and Machine for Sterilizing and Disinfection of Waste”. European Patent Office, EP0710125B1.
[11] A.Arnese, I. Cavallotti (2009). “Investigation on the Effectiveness of a Sterilizing Process for Infectious Hazard Sanitary” Second University of Naples.
[12] A., Ismail; I. O. Daniel; R., Ademola (2012). “Sustainable Co-generation Plant: Refuse-Derived Fuel Gasification Integrated with High Temperature PEM Fuel Cell System” International Proceedings of Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering. Vol. 33, p125-129.
[13] A., Ismail; R., Ademola, I. O. Daniel; (2012). “Municipal Solid Wastes Gasification/Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Integrated CHP System”. Turkish Online Journal of Science & Technology, Vol. 2 Issue 3, p28-34.
[14] L. Maretela, L. Makhubela (2010). “Growth Promotion Tests on Treated Medical Waste Sample” SABS Pharmaceutical Microbiology Department, 2423/10-E255(2).
[15] South African Government. Draft Health Care Risk Waste Management Regulations. Government Notice 452, Government Gazette No. 35405, 1 June 2012.
[16] South African Government. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Minimum Requirements for waste Disposal by Landfill, 2nd Ed., 1998.
[17] L., Godfrey, D., Baldwin, M., du Preez, P., Coubrough (2011). Validation and Monitoring of Non-Burn Health Care Risk Waste Treatment Facilities in Gauteng. CSIR Division of Water, Environment and Forestry Technology.