Cleaning of Flue Gases from Waste Combustors

Abstract

The combustion of hazardous and municipal wastes can effectively destroy targeted substances and reduce waste volume, thus extending the useful life of existing landfills. In addition, combustion may serve the beneficial conversion of waste to energy, such as for heating, cooling, or electrical energy applications. These benefits, however, are accompanied by the emission of air pollutants which require post-combustion controls in order lo meel regulatory requirements.

Air pollutants resulting from the combustion of hazardous and municipal wastes which may require control include: acid gases, organic compounds, heavy metals, and particulate matter. Dry, semi-dry, and wet processes are available to control these classes of pollutants. The process which represents the optimum solution depends on numerous factors, including type of waste/fuel, targeted pollutants and the desired level of control for each, location of combustion unit, and residue disposal restrictions.

Flue gas cleaning processes currently used commercially in waste combustion facilities are addressed. The operating concepts of dry, semi-dry, and wet processes are discussed, and their effectiveness in controlling various pollutants is presented.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

THEODORE G BRNA

Presented at the First usaional Congress on Toxic Combustion Byproducts: Formation and Control, University of California at Los Angeles, August 2-4, 1989.