PCDD/F reduction in incinerator flue gas by adding urea to RDF feedstock

The effect of urea on PCDD/F formation in a pilot incinerator was studied b y incinerating urea with refuse-derived fuel (RDF) at three concentrations (0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% of the fuel feed). A distinct reduction in both PCDD/F and chlorophenol concentrations could be noticed when urea was introduced into the system. partial-least-square (PLS) analysis of the data showed the importance of certain chlorophenol isomers as PCDD/F precursors, pointing to the possibility that the impact point of the urea inhibitor could be bef ore the precursor molecules, i.e. chlorophenols, have been formed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.