Design of a small-scale incinerator with low PCDD/PCDF emissions

Attempts were made to achieve complete combustion by improving secondary combustion for the purpose of reducing PCDDs/PCDFs in a small-scale incinerator. Particular emphasis was placed on improving gas turbulence in the chamber. First, the gas flow in the chamber was analyzed by the flow visualization technique, using laboratory scale equipment. Then, the combustibility was evaluated using a model gas containing standard carbon monoxide. Finally, the reduction of PCDDs/PCDFs was confirmed with an actual plant. A resultant finding was that PCDDs/PCDFs emissions at the incinerator outlet can be significantly reduced by changing the gas flow pattern in the secondary combustion chamber.