Correlation of PCDD/F emissions with operating parameters of municipal solid waste incinerators.
Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) operators frequently have expressed the need for an indirect indication of the expected production of PCDD/F and associated abatement procedures through a possible correlation with other real-time data, through using marker pollutants (e.g., penta/hexachlorinated aromatics), or through other indications. Since real-time measurement of PCDD/F is impossible, a correlation of PCDD/F emissions with other operating parameters could help in achieving these goals. Literature data of large-scale MSWIs concerning these correlations are scarce and seldom conclusive. Extensive data of Flemish MSWIs are used to statistically assess possible correlations of PCDD/F and other operating parameters. The effect of temperature in the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is of major importance. When converting values measured between 180 and 270 degrees C to a reference temperature of, for example, 230 degrees C, PCDD/F concentrations achieve nearly constant values, stressing that the major correlating parameter is the temperature of the ESP. High temperatures that enhance de novo synthesis should be avoided.
Everaert
K
K
Department of Chemical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium. kim.everaert@cit.kuleuven.ac.be
Baeyens
J
J
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004867:Equipment Design; D017745:Incineration; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis*; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D001572:Benzofurans; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins