As industries across the globe search for ways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and divert waste from landfill, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) has emerged as a proven, practical solution. This post breaks down the technical data behind Organics Ltd’s RDF Type 2 product — a coarse refuse-derived fuel used to replace conventional fossil fuels in energy-intensive industrial processes.
What Is Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)?
RDF consists largely of the combustible components of municipal and commercial waste — non-recyclable plastics (excluding PVC), paper, cardboard, labels, and similar materials. Rather than sending these materials to landfill, they are processed and converted into a fuel product that can be burned to generate energy.
The production process involves several key stages:
- Screening — separating materials by size
- Air classification — using airflow to separate lighter combustible fractions from heavier, non-combustible waste
- Ballistic separation — mechanically sorting materials by shape and density
- Particle-size reduction — shredding or grinding waste into a consistent, usable fuel size
The result is a homogenous fuel product that can substitute for coal, lime, or other fossil fuels in industrial combustion processes.
Understanding RDF Classification: Why “Type 2” Matters
Not all RDF is created equal. The ASTM E856-83 (2006) standard classifies RDF into seven distinct categories based on processing method and particle size. The product covered in this datasheet is classified as Type 2, also known as Coarse RDF.
Type 2 RDF is defined as waste processed to a coarse particle size — with or without ferrous metal separation — such that 95% by weight passes through a 150 mm square mesh screen.
This classification is important for buyers because it determines compatibility with different combustion systems. Coarse RDF is typically suited to applications where extremely fine, uniform fuel isn’t a strict requirement, offering a cost-effective processing route compared to higher-grade, finer RDF fractions.
Where Is RDF Type 2 Used?
RDF Type 2 is designed as a drop-in or blended substitute fuel for several energy-intensive industrial sectors, including:
- Cement plants — replacing coal in kiln operations
- Lime plants — supplementing traditional fuel sources in lime calcination
- Coal-fired power plants — co-firing to reduce fossil fuel consumption
- Steel furnaces — used as a reduction agent in certain steelmaking processes
This versatility makes RDF an attractive option for industries under pressure to lower carbon emissions and diversify fuel supply while also supporting circular economy and waste diversion goals. Learn more about the broader concept via Wikipedia’s overview of refuse-derived fuel.
Physical and Combustion Properties
The physical characteristics of RDF Type 2 directly affect handling, transport, storage, and combustion efficiency. Key physical parameters are summarized below:
| Parameter | Unit | Value (ARB) |
|---|---|---|
| Calorific value | MJ/kg | 15 – 20 |
| Calorific value | kcal/kg | 3,500 – 5,000 |
| Moisture content | % | < 35 |
| Particle size (95% pass) | mm | 150 |
| Maximum particle size | mm | 200 – 250 |
| Bulk density | kg/m³ | 300 – 500 |
ARB = As Received Basis
With a calorific value of up to 20 MJ/kg, RDF Type 2 offers meaningful energy content comparable to lower-grade coals, making it a genuine substitute fuel rather than merely a waste disposal method.
Chemical Composition and Contaminant Limits
Beyond energy content, RDF quality is also defined by its chemical composition, including ash content, halogens, sulfur, and trace metal concentrations. These figures matter significantly for emissions control and equipment protection at the end-use facility.
| Parameter | Unit | Value | Parameter | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calorific value (ARB) | MJ/kg | 15.0 | Ash content | % | 5 |
| Cl | % | 0.5 | Cd | mg/kg | 10 |
| S | % | 0.4 | Mo | mg/kg | 20 |
| Br | % | 0.01 | Co, Cu, Mn, Sn | mg/kg | 200 |
| N | % | 0.7 | V | mg/kg | 200 |
| F | % | 0.1 | Cr | mg/kg | 200 |
| Be | mg/kg | 1 | Pb | mg/kg | 200 |
| Hg/Ti | mg/kg | 2 | Ni | mg/kg | 200 |
| As, Se (Te), Sb | mg/kg | 10 | Zn | mg/kg | 200 |
These values represent typical limits only and are not necessarily representative of any specific lot, cargo, or shipment. Every batch is independently tested and certified according to the requirements of each specific application.
This batch-by-batch certification approach gives buyers confidence that the material they receive meets agreed specifications, even though natural variability exists in waste-derived feedstocks.
Quality Assurance and Customization
Organics Ltd operates under ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management) certified systems, providing an added layer of assurance around consistency and environmental responsibility in production.
Importantly, parameters for RDF Type 2 can be tailored to specific customer requirements — meaning end users with particular combustion technology or emissions constraints can work with the supplier to adjust particle size, moisture content, or contaminant thresholds within achievable limits.
Key Takeaways
- RDF Type 2 (Coarse RDF) is produced from the combustible fraction of waste via screening, air classification, ballistic separation, and particle-size reduction.
- It meets ASTM E856-83 (2006) classification, with 95% of material by weight passing through a 150 mm screen.
- Typical calorific value ranges from 15–20 MJ/kg (3,500–5,000 kcal/kg), with moisture content below 35%.
- It’s suitable for use in cement plants, lime plants, coal-fired power stations, and steel furnaces as a fossil fuel substitute.
- Chemical and trace metal parameters are tested and certified on a batch-by-batch basis, with customization available to suit specific applications.
Get in Touch
Considering RDF as an alternative fuel source for your facility, or looking to divert waste from landfill through a certified, quality-assured process? Contact our team today to discuss specifications, supply volumes, and how RDF Type 2 could fit into your operations.