Results of the German dioxin measurement programme at MSW incinerators

Abstract

This paper described the findings and data resulting from the German National Dioxin Measurement Programme at 11 plants with 15 incineration units. The programme's main focus was to provide answers to the question of the causes of dioxins and furans formation in the plant and to look for ways to reduce dioxin and furan emissions, including waste management measures and technical measures taken inside the plants. The investigations confirmed the finding that a major proportion of the dioxin and furan emissions is due to de novo synthesis. Two areas have to be mentioned here, the cooling zone behind the combustion chamber and the dust removal system. Significant differences in dioxin and furan concentration levels were ascertained between variations of operating parameters, e.g. much air, little air, extremely unfavourable operating conditions (i.e. start-up and shut-down without auxiliary burners) and the normal operating conditions specific to a plant. To comply the limit value of 0.1 ng I-TE m −3 it is necessary that conventional thermal treatment plants take additional measures to remove dioxins and furans from the flue gas. The measurements were carried out from 1985 to 1990. In addition, samples of fractions of household waste were analysed for their dioxins and furans.