Influence factors and mass balance of memory effect on PCDD/F emissions from the full-scale municipal solid waste incineration in China

Abstract

Studies are carried out in two wet scrubbing systems (WSSs) subordinated to two similar full-scale (30 t h−1) municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerators to explore the influence factors and mass balance of memory effect on polychlorinated-ρ-dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) emissions. The results show that the memory effect on two WSSs notably increases the TEQ concentrations by 13.6 and 3 times, respectively, through increase in the total mass concentration and the proportions of low-chlorinated PCDD/Fs, directly resulting in the PCDD/F emissions of 1# MSW incinerator over the national standard. PCDD/F adsorption/desorption in WSSs is the reasonable acting mechanisms of memory effect. In addition, memory effect mainly influences gaseous PCDD/F emissions by elevating the percentage of PCDFs, while slightly affects PCDD/Fs in residuals. A mass balance of PCDD/Fs is established to further analyze the influence factors of memory effect on WSSs, indicating filling as the largest potential source discharging PCDD/Fs into outlet flue gas. The results pave the way for further industrial optimization of WSSs design, such as the filling materials with less adsorption capacity on PCDD/Fs and more reasonable operation.