Optimizing the Elimination of Dioxin-Like Compounds (PCDD/Fs and PCBs) Through Effective Combustion Practices in the Flue Gas in the Medical Waste Incineration Facility

Abstract

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are considered the most toxic and most concerning volatile organic compounds in the industrial flue gases.They are formed in various processes involving the combustion of organic materials in the presence of chlorine compounds, including modern and domestic coal burning, waste incinerators, sinter plants, cement industry, and metallurgical processes.The primary objective of this study was to investigate the destruction of PCDD/Fs and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) using effective combustion practices.Flue gas samples were collected from the medical waste incineration plant to analyze PCDD/Fs and PCBs destruction under different temperature intervals, O2 content, residence time, and exhaust gas recirculation.It has been found that, relying solely on good combustion practices is not sufficient to completely destruct PCDD/Fs and PCBs emissions.Even with the implementation of optimal combustion techniques, certain congeners such as 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF and 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD were still measured in high concentrations.Consequently, additional techniques such as dry sorbent injections, should be explored to meet the new stringent requirements of 0.1 ng I-TEQ/m 3 .