Grantee Research Project Results
Trace Metal Emission Control and Ash Stabilization in Incinerators
EPA Contract Number: 68D00049Title: Trace Metal Emission Control and Ash Stabilization in Incinerators
Investigators: Srinivasachar, Srivats
Small Business: PSI Technology Company
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 1990 through August 1, 1992
Project Amount: $150,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (1990) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Waste incineration produces emissions of toxic metals, both as vapors and surface coatings on aerosols. Trace metal species such as Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr volatilize extensively in the combustion zone, ultimately condensing (and con- centrating) into the difficult-to-capture submicron fume.In PSI Technology Company's Phase I program, several additives capable of capturing lead oxide and lead chloride vapors were identified. Leaching and volatility tests demon- strated the stability of the final product, indicating chemical bonding between the lead and the substrate. The resulting product is, therefore, beneficial in (1) removing lead from incinerator flue gases, and (2) being sufficiently stable for safe landfill disposal.
In Phase II, the capabilities of these sorbents in capturing other trace metals commonly emitted from incinerators will be measured. Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Ni will be examined in Phase II. First, partitioning of these trace metal species among the various phases and chemical forms possible will be defined; the ability of individual sorbents to remove these species under a variety of conditions will then be identified. Stability will be demonstrated via leaching tests, volatility tests, and chemical composition measurements. Immobilization of trace metal species condensed on exist- ing MSW waste will also be demonstrated in a separate process. At the conclusion of this effort, process develop- ment will be addressed, pilot-scale tests will be defined, and process economics for a waste-immobilization scheme as- sessed. It is anticipated that this process can potentially reduce emissions of trace metals such as Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, and Zn by several orders-of-magnitude.
Supplemental Keywords:
RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Waste, Chemical Engineering, particulate matter, air toxics, Environmental Chemistry, HAPS, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, 33/50, Incineration/Combustion, Environmental Engineering, trace metal emissions, vapor recovery, mercury, cadmium & cadmium compounds, chromium & chromium compounds, Lead Compounds, lead, Chromium, fly ash, pollution control technologies, air pollution control, lead & lead compounds, air pollution, flue gas, sorbent technology, toxic metals, ambient emissions, emission controls, particles, Zinc, sorbents, ash stabilization , ash stabilization, fly ash particles, mercury & mercury compounds, Chromium Compounds, Mercury Compounds, flue gas emissions, incineration, cadmium, trace metals, flue gases, trace metal emission controlProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.