Study and quantification of the role of fuel and ash composition in formation mechanisms of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in thermal industrial processes.

In this project, the influence of the fuel composition on the formation of dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), PCBs and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in thermal industrial processes is studied by analyzing ashes of industrial and hazardous waste incineration. It will be investigated whether the high persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations in the input waste can significantly increase PCDD/F formation through precursor condensation. Also the relationship between the concentration of PCDD/Fs and PCBs and the copper, chlorine and iron concentration in incinerator fly ashes will be established and quantified. By means of analysis of waste and fly ashes and by means of fluidization experiments, this project will further establish whether in fluidized bed combustors small sized waste particles can be elutriated from the bed and influence the formation of PCDD/Fs and PCBs. Finally, SEM imaging of fly ashes generated in different types of incinerators will be used to relate the structure of the embedded carbon matrix to PCDD/F, PCB and PAH formation. The knowledge obtained during this project will be applied for the development of technological improvements that help to control the release of these highly toxic pollutants e.g. in waste incineration facilities and in the sintering process of iron ores.

Keywords:POPs, PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PAHs, Waste, Incineration, Industry

Disciplines:Sustainable and environmental engineering