Exploring the Potential of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) as Solid Fuel for Energy Generation: Case Study in the Malang City, Indonesia

The potential of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Malang City Indonesia was investigated in term of its physicochemical properties and thermal behavior. The proportional mixed of the organic-inorganic sample was tested its chemical content by using Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry. The physical properties (moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content as well as calorific value) was studied by using standard ASTM test method. The thermal behavior of the sample was characterized by thermogravimetric technique. Results showed that C and O were the main elements which encountered in the sample. The inorganic ingredients were dominated by Al, Ti, Si, Fe, K and Ca respectively. The MSW shows low moisture (4,69 wt%, adb), ash (5.51 wt%, db) and fixed carbon (8.29 wt%, db), whereas high volatile matter (86.20 wt%, db). The calorific value of MSW was comparable to the middle class of the coal (25.78 MJ/kg). Three stages decomposition were encountered during thermal test become a fundamental data to design a proper combustion system.