The Incinerability of Perchloroethylene and Chlorobenzene

Abstract

This paper reports on the results of computer simulations of the destruction of trace quantities of perchloroethylene and chlorobenzene in combustion systems. These results are derived from a data base dealing with methane combustion kinetics, recent measurements on hydrogen atom attack on the chlorinated compounds, and estimates based on literature values of the rate constants for a variety of destruction processes. The roles of OH radicals and H atoms as the key agents for destruction are demonstrated. At higher temperatures, unimolecular decompositions begin to become important. The juxtaposition of the various processes makes difficult the construction of a simple algorithm that will readily define the relative ease of destruction of any two compounds. Additional complications arise from the dependence on fuel composition and at higher hazardous waste concentrations. The advantages of using computer simulations in conjunction with laboratory and field results and in deriving a better understanding of incinerator behavior are discussed.