Thermal Destruction of Plastic and Nonplastic Solid Waste

THERMAL DESTRUCTION OF PLASTIC AND NONPLASTIC SOLID WASTE 

Experimental and theoretical studies are presented from a laboratory-scale thermal destruction facility on the destructive behavior of surrogate plastic and nonplastic solid wastes. The nonplastic waste was cellulosic while the plastic waste contained compounds such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, nylon, rubber, and polyurethane or any of their desired mixtures. A series of combustion tests was performed with samples containing varying composition of plastic and nonplastic. Experimental results are presented on combustion parameters (CO, excess air, residence time) and toxic emissions (dioxin, furan, metals). 

Equilibrium thermochemical calculations are presented on the thermal destruction behavior of samples under conditions of pyrolysis, combustion, and pyrolysis followed by combustion. Special interest is on the effect of waste properties 

Analysis and interpretation of the data reveal the effect of waste feed composition on combnstion parameters and dioxin, fnran, and metals emission. Equilib-rinm calculation results are used to describe the experimentally observed trends for the thermal destruction behavior of these wastes. The results show significant influence of plastic on combnstion characteristics, and dioxin, furan, and metals emission. 

Nnmerous environmental catastrophes resnlting from the improper disposal practices of the wastes of different kinds have caused increased public awareness of the growing problem of waste generated in all sectors of the pnblic, industry, and government. Waste minimization and recycling provides only a partial solution. Fnrther stringent measures must be taken to solve the problem of waste disposal completely. The United States generates approximately 0.4 x 10 lb of waste every year, and even with extensive waste minimization plans, this amount is projected to increase at a rate of 1% annually [26]. 

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The experimental and numerical investigation described here explore the thermal destruction behavior of different plastic and nonplastic mixmres in a laboratory-scale facility and its effect on carbon monoxide, particulates, dioxin, furan, and toxic metals emission. The results show that the composition of the waste has a significant infiuence on the emissions characteristics. The results also show that by using a suitable combination of various components in the waste, enhanced burning of waste occurs with reduced toxic emissions and solid residues. 

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