Influence of combustion conditions on dioxin in an industrial-scale fluidized-bed incinerator: experimental study and statistical modelling

A series of tests has been performed in a full-scale fluidized-bed waste incinerator to study the formation of dioxins and to find the optimal operating conditions for minimizing dioxin emissions. The incineration process parameters and dioxin emissions are measured under different operating conditions. The experimental data are then subject to a statistical analysis using the simple and multiple regression analysis methods. It is found that the dioxin formation level in the plant can be approximately represented by the dioxin measurements at boiler outlet and is mainly influenced by combustion conditions. Higher flue gas O2 level, secondary to primary air ratio and total air supply are favourable for lower dioxin formation. Lime and ammonia injections, however, appear to have only minor effects on dioxins.