The conversion of municipal solid waste to chemicals

Author

Thomas J. Abraham

Date of Award

12-1985

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Chemical Engineering

Major Professor

Carl O. Thomas

Committee Members

John Holmes, Donald Ploch, Fred Weber

Abstract

The problem of waste disposal by municipalities is becoming a growing burden on local communities in the United States. At present, there is very little research being conducted to address the problem of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal even though MSW could be considered a potentially vast resource. There are technically feasible processes available for the conversion of MSW to energy and these processes are being reviewed by local governments with some interest. These processes, however, are typically marginally economical at best. A more promising approach to the problem of MSW disposal might be the conversion of MSW to high value-added chemicals.

This dissertation addresses the above problem by exploring the economics of the production of three chemicals, methanol, ethylene glycol and acetic acid, from MSW derived syngas.

Recommended Citation

Abraham, Thomas J., "The conversion of municipal solid waste to chemicals. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 1985.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/12507