Isabel Kaphahn’s research on CO2 capture in waste incineration has earned a special prize, standing out from 67 submissions. Discover the method that is advancing climate protection in the sector.
Key Takeaways
- Isabel Kaphahn won the ITAD Special Prize for her research on CO2 capture in waste incineration, selecting her submission from 67 entries.
- Her paper titled ‘Implementation of the Oxyfuel Process for CO2 Capture in Waste Incineration Plants’ explores flue gas recirculation strategies.
- The research shows how different recirculation paths affect pollutant load and gas concentrations.
- The prize includes 1,500 euros and a ticket for the VDI-ITAD Congress ‘Thermal Waste Treatment 2026’ in Würzburg.
- The DGAW Science Congress showcases young researchers and promotes the circular economy through relevant research.
Isabel Kaphahn of RWTH Aachen has been awarded the ITAD Special Prize at the 15th Science Congress of the German waste management society DGAW in Pforzheim. Her submission was selected from 67 entries from 27 universities in German-speaking countries, the German plant operator association announced.
The winning paper, titled “Implementation of the Oxyfuel Process for CO2 Capture in Waste Incineration Plants,” compares the process-technical effects of different flue gas recirculation strategies.
The research utilises a numerical combustion model and supplementary thermoanalytical experiments. Kaphahn demonstrates that the choice of the flue gas recirculation path significantly influences the pollutant load, the water vapour content in the oxidising agent, and the CO2 and N2 concentrations in the flue gas.
Advancing Climate Protection
The ITAD Special Prize is endowed with 1,500 euros. Kaphahn also received a complimentary ticket for the VDI-ITAD Congress “Thermal Waste Treatment 2026,” which takes place in Würzburg in September.
“The DGAW Science Congress has once again shown how much solution-oriented competence there is in junior research. We have seen many relevant, methodologically convincing and engagingly presented contributions that can really advance the waste and circular economy. With our special prize, we are honouring a contribution that is not only methodologically convincing, but also advances one of the current key topics in the field of climate protection,” stated Bastian Wens, Managing Director of ITAD.
Industry And Young Researchers
Wens also noted that the thermal waste treatment industry offers an interesting combination of waste management and power plant technology. He described it as a field for environmentally conscious and technology-oriented individuals who want to make a tangible impact, highlighting the potential for meaningful work in an evolving sector.
The DGAW Science Congress, aims to promote the transition to a circular economy by showcasing current research on resource conservation and environmental protection. The event focuses on promoting young scientists, particularly by providing a platform for doctoral theses to be presented to a specialist audience. This year, 21 presentations were selected from the 67 submissions, with a further 42 research topics presented as posters. The event was attended by approximately 160 participants.
The conference proceedings, which also include the winning entry, can be downloaded here.
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