Influence of variation in the operating conditions on PCDD/F distribution in a full-scale MSW incinerator

Optimizing the operating parameters to minimize polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDD/F) emission is the common interest of the municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration industry. In this study, we investigated the distribution of tetra- to octa-CDD/F along the flue gas line in a full-scale reciprocating grate incinerator and evaluated the effects of temperature control and O2 level on PCDD/F formation. Six runs were laid out and all performed under sufficient burning conditions, in which the combustion efficiency of MSW was more than 99.9%. The total concentration of tetra- to octa-CDD/F measured at the boiler outlet showed an increasing tendency with the increase of boiler outlet temperature (TB) from 214 °C to 264 °C. When flue gas ran across the semi-dry scrubber and cyclone precipitator, in which the temperature varied from 264 °C to 162 °C, the concentrations of the lower chlorinated dioxins and furans were significantly raised, especially for the TCDF. Increasing O2 supply from 6.0% to 10.5% essentially led to a higher yield of tetra- to octa-PCDD/F, suggested that under sufficient burning conditions the lower O2 level was favorable for reducing PCDD/F formation and emission. The variation of O2 level did not give rise to a systematical change of PCDD/F homologue pattern. For all measurements, the isomer distributions of tetra- to hepta-PCDD/F were more or less the same, nearly independent of variations in the operating conditions and sampling positions. Only the significant increase of the sum of 1,3,7,8-TCDF and 1,3,7,9-TCDF was found in the zone after the boiler section.