Characteristics of Chlorine and Carbon Flow in Two Municipal Waste Incinerators in Taiwan

Abstract

Characteristics of chlorine and carbon flow at two municipal solid waste incinerators (MWIs) equipped with different air pollution control devices in Taiwan are investigated based on sampling/analysis and system operating data. The distributions of chlorine and carbon at various locations were evaluated based on the mass concentrations and emission rates. The removal efficiencies of HCl are 88.3 and 94.1% at MWI-A and MWI-B, respectively. Approximately 60% of the chlorinated compounds (expressed as chlorine) from municipal solid waste (MSW) at both MWIs exists in particulate form after incineration and is captured by the baghouse or electrostatic precipitator. The rest, 30–40% of the chlorine, is removed with bottom ash and wet scrubbing liquid or cyclone ash discharge at both MWIs. The results indicate that approximately 98% of the carbonaceous compounds contained in MSW is converted to