Chlorine characterization and thermal behavior in MSW and RDF

Chlorine, as a key element causing high temperature corrosion and low efficiency in waste-to-energy plants, and its thermal behavior has widely drawn attention. In this study, the chlorine content in eight fractions of municipal solid waste (MSW) was quantified and characterized using five analytical methods. The influence of the operating temperature, and fuel additives like sulfur and silica on the volatilization of chlorine in combustion process was also investigated. The results showed: these fractions cover a wide range of chlorine content from 0.1 wt.% in wood to >6 wt.% in non-packaging plastics (dry basis). Polyvinylchloride (PVC) from packaging, electrical wire insulation etc. in plastics and chloride salts (mainly NaCl) in kitchen waste are the main sources of organic and inorganic chlorine. The increase of the operating temperature from 700 °C to 1000 °C has more influence on the HCl formation for kitchen waste than that for PVC. Sulfur addition leads to 20-40% higher HCl formation rate in most fractions. Silica supports the chlorine release at relatively low temperatures between 700 °C and 850 °C. These findings enhance to understand the thermal behavior of chlorine in MSW and RDF (refuse derived fuel) in waste-to-energy plants and lead to the suggestions for a fuel management for waste derived fuels in order to avoid chlorine induced corrosion.