Briquetting of Fuels

Considerable interest was generated in 1990/91 by reports arising from the US Environmental Protection Agency stating that the use of quicklime to stabilise PCB-contaminated soil had (apparently) led to the disappearance of the PCBs. However, it subsequently appeared likely that the PCBs had not been destroyed [32.38]. Indeed, the suggestion was made that, if quicklime were able to replace chlorine atoms in PCBs by hydroxyl groups, the reaction products might be more hazardous than the PCBs [32.39]. 

Subsequent trials were reported [32.40, 32.41], in which PCBs were mixed intimately with quicklime using a ball mill as a reactor, which also resulted in their apparent destruction. It is understood, however, that the expected reaction products were not detected in the predicted quantities, casting doubt on the success of the treatment. 

As of August 1997, the National Lime Association of America was not aware of any current research into the subject [32.42]. 

Alternative approaches have been suggested for improving the strengths of briquettes [32.45], including the conversion of the slaked lime into  

A more recent publication [32.46] described the production of dense refuse-derived fuel pellets. Calcium hydroxide was selected as the most effective binding agent from over 150 potential binders and binder combinations. The future use of refuse derived fuel pellets, however, is likely to depend on political factors, as much as technical feasibility. 

---