Predicting Air Classifier Performance

A test predicting air classifier performance is developed and evaluated in a waste‐to‐energy production facility. The separation of combustibles from noncombustibles is critical to the success of any waste‐to‐energy production facility. Air classifier technologies are relied on to aid in their separation, but often the technologies are applied to unsuitable waste flows. Costly design and operating mistakes are the rule and not the exception. Using samples of municipal solid waste, a test to predict success, both easy and economical to conduct, is considered in terms of its principles, the test methodology, and experimental results, as well as air classification comparisons. Conclusions are drawn which indicate the strengths and limitation of this method of prediction.