Insights into the effect of chlorine on arsenic release during MSW incineration: An on-line analysis and kinetic study

The effect of chlorine on arsenic (As) release dynamics during municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration in a fluidized bed was studied on the basis of an on-line analysis system. This system can continuously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of trace elements in flue gas. Chlorine addition increases obviously the concentration of arsenic in flue gas, indicating a promoting effect of chlorine on arsenic release during MSW incineration. Based on the temporal concentration of arsenic in flue gas, the overall kinetic parameters of arsenic release during MSW incineration were calculated. A second-order kinetic law r(x) = 81.6e−66.9/RT (−1.05x2 − 0.01x + 1.03) was ascertained for arsenic release during MSW incineration without chlorine addition, and r(x) = 177.3e−65.3/RT (−0.68x2 − 0.43x + 1.08) for arsenic release with chlorine addition. Thermodynamic calculations were performed to predict the partitioning behavior of arsenic during MSW incineration. The addition of chlorine can not only compete with gaseous arsenic to react with mineral, but is also able to increase the volatilization of arsenic by forming volatile arsenic chlorides, thereby affecting the release kinetics of arsenic during MSW incineration.