Valorization of insulation cellulose waste as solid biomass fuel

This paper investigates the ability of insulation cellulose fiber powder (CFP) to be pelletized for its valorization as biomass fuel. CFP is a waste originating from insulation cellulose manufacturing that lacks any method of valorization because of its boron salts content. A sugar byproduct and lignosulfonate (LS) were considered as binders for the pellet manufacturing process. Physical tests were carried out to characterize the pellets’ performance. Chemical and combustion tests were considered to state the pellets’ potential as a green energy source. Raw CFP showed good ability in its pelletization and durability in the range of 15–30% of moisture content. The pellet’s density decreased as water content increased. Binders increased the pellet’s length before and after the durability test. Binders also increased the CFP pellet’s water absorption, demonstrating a potential decrease in durability against environmental factors. Binders also decreased the lower heating value. Ultimate analysis showed a slight Nitrogen increase in both binder combinations that could potentially raise the pollutant NOx combustion emissions. All the combinations showed adequate combustion characteristics, but binders increased ash production. Additives decreased the CFP volatile matter content and increased the fixed carbon, which could facilitate a more stable combustion. DTA curves showed a mass loss rate decrease in the volatile stage for the binder combinations, which also could be considered as an indicator of a more stable combustion. The ashes’ chemical compositions when analyzed by XPS showed boron contents oscillating between 10.03% and 16.42%, demonstrating the possibility of recovering them from the combustion ashes.This work was funded by Gobierno de Navarra and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) by the aislamientos ecológicos para la rehabilitación de edificios históricos (Reference: 0011-1365-2018-000096), research project

Project risk management methodology: a case study of an electric energy organization

This paper presents the developed risk management methodology and the main risk management results of a pilot project in a Portuguese electric energy organization – EDP Distribution. Most of the project risks identified have external and technical sources, and most of the risks are rated as medium and high level. In the future, it is expected that this methodology can be used for similar projects and that a gradual standardization on the use of the risk management methodology can be achieved in the organization

Feasibility of Vermicomposting of Spent Coffee Grounds and Silverskin from Coffee Industries: A Laboratory Study

In the coffee industry, several by-products are generated during the production and consumption of coffee and represent an important waste from an environmental viewpoint. For improving the knowledge about this issue, a laboratory vermicomposting study of coffee silverskin (CS) and spent coffee grounds (SCG) spiked with mature horse manure (HM) in different proportions and using earthworm Eisenia andrei was carried out. The 60-day study focused on biological parameters such as total biomass gain, growth rate, cocoon production, and mortality. This study also investigated whether the vermicompost obtained could be useful and lacked toxicity through a seed germination test using hybrid wheat seeds. Results showed a disparity depending on the type of residue and the mixture used. Best options were those treatments with a medium–low amount of residue; 25% for SCG and 25% or 50% for CS. In addition, lack of toxicity was confirmed in all treatments. In conclusion, it is possible to carry out a vermicomposting of SCG and CS with some specific features.This research was funded by Government of Navarre and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant number VERMICOMPOSTAJE 4.0—VERMIOT (0011-1365-2019-000110), research project. The APC was funded by Fundación Euskoiker