Sintering of the APC residue from municipal waste incinerators

Air pollution control (APC) residues from municipal waste incineration cont ain considerable amounts of water-soluble heavy metal compounds which can c ause environmental problems. Therefore, a satisfactory and efficient detoxi fication technology is required. A thermal process via sintering has been developed that is capable of formi ng two major fractions of sintered products-that is, a small fraction in wh ich the volatile heavy metals are concentrated for recycling or disposal an d a major solid particle fraction that is more stable. This result has been obtained by heating the APC ash up to 850 degrees C with a high efficiency processing system. This novel process has been demonstrated in a large experimental facility t hat includes a 100 kW regenerative burner. The approach is based on the app lication of a regenerative heating concept to achieve an economic and effic ient process. Thus, the hazardous material which is causing a problem when landfilled can be converted to a better quality product either for utilizat ion by the construction industry or for disposal at lower cost.