Fate of Metals in Waste Combustion Systems

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Abstract
The mechanisms which control the emission of trace metals from waste combustion systems were examined. Important phenomena include particle entrainment, chemical interactions, vaporization, condensation, particle coagulation and particle collection by flue gas cleaning equipment. A model based on these phenomena was developed to estimate their relative importance and to assess the potential impact of waste combustor operating parameters on metals emissions. The results of this assessment were used to develop a more accurate method of assessing the ability of waste combustion devices to control the emission of toxic metals than is currently proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. The method is based on use of metals spiking and was tested in a pilot scale rotary kiln incinerator. The tests indicated that the spiking method could effectively be used to estimate metals emissions.