On the Emissions of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Particulate Matter and Other Pollutants from Burning Organic Wastes, Targeting Applications in Municipal/Medical Incinerators

Northeastern University, Boston MA

Investigators

Abstract

This study addresses emissions from burning certain waste fuels (plastics, fabrics, etc.) found in medical and municipal wastes. Pollutants studied include polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic carbon (VOC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Using sequential investigation of increasingly complex fuels, experiments and theory address premixed combustion, pollutant formation and interaction, and remedial technologies such as secondary furnaces (afterburners) and hot flue-gas filtration. Fuels include gaseous styrene, clouds of polystyrene particles, polystyrene pellets, surgical latex gloves and sterile cotton pads. Direct measurement of combustion products in the afterburner allows correlation of particulate carbon, carbon monoxide, and soot and elucidates the mechanism for removal of particulate carbon. Simultaneous development of a chemical kinetic model gives a tool for design and operation of hospital-waste incinerators and municipal waste-to-energy facilities.