Correlation of PCDD/F emissions with operating parameters of municipal solid waste incinerators

Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) operators frequently have expresse d the need for an indirect indication of the expected production of PCDD/F and associated abatement procedures through a possible correlation with oth er real-time data, through using marker pollutants (e.g., penta/hexachlorin ated aromatics), or through other indications. Since real-time measurement of PCDD/F is impossible, a correlation of PCDD/F emissions with other opera ting parameters could help in achieving these goals. Literature data of lar ge-scale MSWIs concerning these correlations are scarce and seldom conclusi ve. Extensive data of Flemish MSWIs are used to statistically assess possib le correlations of PCDD/F and other operating parameters. The effect of temperature in the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is of maj or importance. When converting values measured between 180 and 270 degreesC to a reference temperature of, for example, 230 degreesC, PCDD/F concentra tions achieve nearly constant values, stressing that the major correlating parameter is the temperature of the ESP. High temperatures that enhance de novo synthesis should be avoided.