Development of mathematical model and experimental Validation for batch bio-drying of municipal solid waste: Mass balances

Bio-drying of solid waste is a complex process that involves anoxic hydrolysis, aerobic oxidation, evaporation, absorption, and condensation. To understand the interaction between different variables (concentration of volatile matter, moisture, microbial biomass, and temperature) and to predict the system performance, a powerful tool is necessary for improved drying rates. Hence, a mathematical model of mass balances of the batch bio-drying of municipal solid waste (MSW), associated with rate equations of evaporation of moisture from the waste matrix and absorption of leachate on absorbents is developed which is the novelty of the present study. This model integrates 18 first-order differential equations based on process kinetics for mass balances of components in the solid, liquid, and gas phases, comprising the specific degradability of food, paper, and inert material of the MSW. The proposed model is simulated using MATLAB ode15s solver and validated with experimental data from the pilot-scale bio-drying reactor. The model predicted values are in good agreement with experimental values with a deviation of +/- 10%.