Fundamental research on incineration method for combustible wastes in plasma melting furnace

In order to develop a treatment of low-level radioactive miscellaneous soli d waste containing combustibles by plasma melting technology, the incinerat ion of polyethylene (PE), the main combustible in the wastes, is examined b y using a 100 kW plasma melting system. The overall reaction rate of PE in the plasma furnace is examined by changing the air flow rate, the feeding w eight of PE, and the shape of PE. The reaction rate is found to be independ ent of air flow rate, and the shape of PE. The reaction rate is thus a func tion solely of weight of PE fed, and can be used to estimate the residence time of PE with a given weight required for complete incineration.