Mathematical modelling of particle mixing effect on the combustion of municipal solid wastes in a packed-bed furnace

Packed bed combustion is still the most common way to burn municipal solid wastes. In this paper, a dispersion model for particle mixing, mainly caused by the movement of the grate in a moving-burning bed, has been proposed and transport equations for the continuity, momentum, species, and energy conservation are described. Particle-mixing coefficients obtained from model tests range from 2.0x10(-6) to 3.0x10(-5)m2/s. A numerical solution is sought to simulate the combustion behaviour of a full-scale 12-tonne-per-h waste incineration furnace at different levels of bed mixing. It is found that an increase in mixing causes a slight delay in the bed ignition but greatly enhances the combustion processes during the main combustion period in the bed. A medium-level mixing produces a combustion profile that is positioned more at the central part of the combustion chamber, and any leftover combustible gases (mainly CO) enter directly into the most intensive turbulence area created by the opposing secondary-air jets and thus are consumed quickly. Generally, the specific arrangement of the impinging secondary-air jets dumps most of the non-uniformity in temperature and CO into the gas flow coming from the bed-top, while medium-level mixing results in the lowest CO emission at the furnace exit and the highest combustion efficiency in the bed.     

Emissions from mesoscale in situ oil fires: the mobile 1991 experiments

A series of 14 mesoscale burns were conducted in 1991 to study various aspects of oil burning in situ. Extensive sampling and monitoring of these burns were conducted to determine the emissions. This was done at two downwind ground stations, one upwind ground station and in the smoke plume using a blimp and a remote-controlled helicopter. Particulate samples in air were taken and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs were found to be lower in the soot than in the starting oil. Metals in the oil were found concentrated in the residue and could not be measured in soot samples using conventional industrial hygiene sampling techniques. Particulates in the air were measured by several means and found to be greater than recommended exposure levels only up to 150 m downwind at ground level. Combustion gases including carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide did not reach exposure level maximums. These gases were emitted over a broad area around the fire and are not directly associated with the plume trajectory. Volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions are extensive from fires, but the levels are less than those emitted from a non-burning test spill. Over 50 compounds were identified and quantified, several at possible levels of concern up to 200 m downwind. Water under the burns was analyzed; no analytes of concern could be found at the detection levels of the methods. The burn residue was analyzed for the same compounds as the air particulate samples. The residue contained elevated amounts of metals. PAHs were at a lower concentration in the residue than in the starting oil, however there is a slight differential concentration increase in some higher molecular weight species. Overall, indications from these mesoscale trials are that emissions from in situ burning are low in comparison to other sources of emissions and result in concentrations of air contaminants that are below exposure limits beyond 500 m downwind.     

Use of FGD gypsum in fire resistant panels

Gypsum from power plant flue gas desulphurization units (FGD gypsum) is a combustion by-product produced in high quantities. In this paper, gypsum panels composed of 100% FGD gypsum from two power plants have been subjected to different physico-chemical (density, pH, humidity), mechanical (flexural and compressive strength, surface hardness, impact resistance), fire resistance and environmental tests (leaching and radioactivity). The results obtained have been compared with the requirements established in some European standards for commercial gypsum and other standards for similar products. In addition, the panels manufactured have been compared with commercial gypsum panels in order to determine the recycling possibilities of this kind of material in this application.     

Factors influencing spontaneous combustion of solid waste

Landfill fires create a critical problem for landfill operators and require investigation of its occurrence and the conditions that favor its initiation. Subsurface fires are considered the most significant due to the difficulty in determining their location and extent. These fires are mainly caused by spontaneous combustion, combustion due to high temperature in absence of flame. This study investigates the effect of moisture content, oxygen concentration and leachate components on spontaneous ignition, combustion initiation, and self-heating of solid waste. A new procedure for testing spontaneous ignition is described; however, variations in solid waste components and landfill conditions can create some limitations to its use. The presence of water and dissolved solids in leachate was found to accelerate chemical self-heating of the solid waste. Oxygen concentration at 10% by volume can sustain chemical oxidation but did not promote accelerated burning.     

Cleanup levels for pcbs and their combustion products at an industrial facility

In 1991, a fire occurred at a foundry in western Pennsylvania. The fire started in capacitors that contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and subsequent sampling has indicated that PCBs and products of their incomplete combustion, the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), were released as a result of the fire. This article develops and provides justification for site-specific cleanup levels for the PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs accidentally released into this industrial facility during the fire. Cleanup levels were calculated using standard risk assessment approaches and assumptions, and these riskbased values were compared with cleanup criteria used for other sites. Final criteria were established based on this comparison and a consideration of such site-specific factors as migration potential, industrial use patterns, and the small mass of material present.     

Emissions from a controlled fire in municipal solid waste bales

Environmental and safety aspects of seasonal storage of baled municipal solid waste to be used as fuel for energy production (waste fuel), was investigated and experiments were carried out on burning of bales. The flammability, combustion processes and emissions were studied by simulating, in small-scale, potential effects of a possible fire in full-scale bale storage area. Despite the high water content and the high density of the bales, after setting fire, the bales burned well, even though no risk for self-ignition exists. The following parameters of the combustion product were measured continuously: O2, CO2, CO, SO2, NO, NO2, NOx, THC, smoke gas rate and the temperature of the smoke. Soot particles in the smoke were collected and analysed for Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Cr, Mn, Cu, Co, Sb and V concentrations. The analysis of the moisture content, concentrations of Hg, Cd, HCl, HF, HBr, NH3, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), chlorinated and brominated dioxins (PCDD/F and PBrDD/F, respectively) were carried out. It was found that the PCDD/F levels (TEQs) varied according to the system used: 12.53 ng (I-TEF-88)/Nm3; 14.09 ng (I-TEF-99)/Nm3; 13.86 ng (Eadons)/Nm3. The PAH concentration was 3.04 microg/Nm3. The contents of the metals in the smoke (with the exceptions of Pb and Cd with mean values of 1.74 and 0.36 mg/m3, respectively) were below the limit values established by the Swedish Ministry of Environment for emissions from incineration plants [Swedish Ministry of Environment, (2002:1060), F?rordning 2002:1060 om avfallsf?rbr?nning. Available from http://www.notisum.se/rnp/SLS/LAG/20021060.HTM]/EU-directive [(2000/76/EC), Directive 2000/76/EC, of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 December 2000 on the Incineration of Waste. http://www.Scotland. gov.uk/library5/environment/iecda.pdf]. The HCl concentration was 10 times higher than the limit value (mean value of 99 mg/m3).     

超细颗粒物凝聚中试试验均匀给料方案研究

给料的均匀性对PM2.5团聚试验至关重要,运用数值方法,采用LES模型计算湍流流场,采用DPM模型计算颗粒运动轨迹,分析PM2.5团聚中试试验台烟道内加设钝体后颗粒的均匀分布,得到了水平烟道各截面处颗粒浓度分布及数值的均方差曲线,发现在试验台圆方管处加设钝体,能有效改善烟道内煤灰颗粒的均匀分布。     

燃煤烟气中SO3成因、影响及其减排对策

煤燃烧过程中产生的SO3不仅造成了酸性烟雾,而且排放时会形成蓝色或黄色烟羽,增加了烟囱排放的烟羽浊度,破环了景观。近年来,火电厂烟囱常见的蓝烟/黄烟现象给周边大气环境带来一定的影响。针对部分燃煤电厂在脱硫、脱硝装置投运后,出现蓝烟/黄烟现象进行了研究,并提出了可供选择的控制对策和建议。     

Fire in waste-fuel stores: risk management and estimation of real cost

The purpose of this study was to improve risk management and to investigate build-up of the costs of fire in waste-fuel stores, to make the authorities and the population in general aware of the substantial monetary and non-material benefits connected with preventive measures being taken. To summarize, the results from the case studies show that the fires occurred by self-ignition of organic materials, the storage facilities were badly and/or not properly designed, and the waste fuels were not handled properly. On the basis of two case studies the main finding was that there must be one person only in charge during the fire to lead the action, and the fire brigade must not leave the area too early. Nowadays, the real cost for the fire is not calculated properly, or at all, by the waste-management company. It is concluded that waste-management companies, society, and insurance companies could save money by implementation of precautionary measures. Such relevant measures are reviewed. It is recommended: not to store waste fuels too high, in volumes which are too large or too close to town districts; to promote better cooperation between waste companies and the fire brigades and the local EPA; and to make insurance companies demand implementation of more security measures before signing the insurance contracts.     

Low NOx burners--prediction of emissions concentration based on design,measurements and modelling

This paper describes possible ways of prediction of nitrogen oxides formation during combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. Mathematical model based on experimental data acquired from the testing facility has been developed. The model enables to predict--at a high probability measure--the extent of nitrogen oxides emissions. The mathematical model of nitrogen oxide formation relies on the application of simplified kinetic equations describing the formation of nitrogen oxides at so-called equivalent temperature. It is a semi-empirical model that comes out of experimental knowledge. An important role played by the burner design itself has been emphasized and therefore an important supplementary parameter of the model is the characteristic of the burner design. It has been established that there was a good agreement between experimental data and those calculated by the application of the model to various conditions marked out by different combustion parameters in the combustion chamber. The results obtained by application of the model respect the influence of parameters validated by industrial practice that control the formation of nitrogen oxides in the course of fuel combustion. Such parameters-first of all-tare the temperature in the combustion chamber and the concentration of the substances taking part in the reaction. By application of the model, it is possible to assess the consequence of, for example the surplus of combustion air, the increase of temperature of combustion air, the supply of inert gas, etc. on the nitrogen oxides emissions of the operating burner under evaluation. Efficient combining of experience and sophisticated approach together with importance of thus access for an improved design are shown.     

Test and Evaluation of Six Fire Resistant Booms at Ohmsett

Six oil spill booms produced by five manufacturers for use as fire resistant booms, were tested at the Minerals Management Service's Ohmsett Facility, NWS-Earle, Leonardo, New Jersey. The tests were conducted between July 16, 1996 and October 4, 1996. Prior to being exposed to any fire, the booms were tested for: first loss tow speed, loss rate, critical tow speed, and wave conformance. No fires were used during these tests. Four of the booms performed within speed and rate loss ranges that have been measured for commercial non-fire resistant booms. One boom was found to be superior in wave conformance and critical tow speed. However, this boom was at the lower edge of the range for first loss tow speed. A prototype boom, with a unique paddle wheel operating principal was the sixth boom included in the study. This boom was found to need further development.     

Effect of an uncontrolled fire and the subsequent fire fight on the chemical composition of landfill leachate

Landfill leachates sampled during and after an accidental landfill fire were analysed and the levels of selected metals and chemical compounds compared to those occurring in the leachate under normal conditions. The fire at the landfill site was put out by excavation and cooling by use of water. The investigation during the fire and fire fight revealed a moderate increase in the level of nitrogen and also in pH and conductivity. Heavy metals and COD in the leachate showed considerably increased levels. In general, the determined variables appeared to normalise within one week after the fire was extinguished. It can be concluded that landfill fires extinguished by excavation may lead to elevated leachate levels of especially COD and heavy metals, but that this is only a short-term effect.     

Agricultural waste as household fuel: Techno-economic assessment of a new rice-husk cookstove for developing countries

In many rural contexts of the developing world, agricultural residues and the organic fraction of waste are often burned in open-air to clear the lands or just to dispose them. This is a common practice which generates uncontrolled emissions, while wasting a potential energy resource. This is the case of rice husk in the Logone Valley (Chad/Cameroon). In such a context household energy supply is a further critical issue. Modern liquid fuel use is limited and traditional solid fuels (mainly wood) are used for daily cooking in rudimentary devices like 3-stone fires, resulting in low efficiency fuel use, huge health impacts, increasing exploitation stress for the local natural resources. Rice husk may be an alternative fuel to wood for household energy supply. In order to recover such a biomass, the authors are testing a proper stove with an original design. Its lay-out (featuring a metal-net basket to contain the fuel and a chimney to force a natural air draft) allows a mix of combustion/gasification of the biomass occurring in a completely burning fire, appropriate for cooking tasks. According to results obtained with rigorous test protocols (Water Boiling Test), different lay-outs have been designed to improve the performance of the stove. Technical and economic issues have been addressed in the development of such a model; building materials have been chosen in order to guarantee a cost as low as possible, using locally available items. The feasibility of the introduction of the stove in the studied context was assessed through an economic model that keeps into account not only the technology and fuel costs, but also the energy performance. According to the model, the threshold for the trade-off of the stove is the use of rice husk to cover 10–15% of the household energy needs both with traditional fireplaces or with improved efficiency cookstoves. The use of the technology proposed in combination with improved woodstove would provide householders with an appropriate and convenient cooking technology portfolio, increasing the opportunities of choice of the preferred energy system for the user and allowing significant savings for the family budget (up to 50% of the total annual cooking energy expenditure). The proposed model may be used also as a tool for the evaluation of the affordability or for the comparison of different cooking technologies also in other similar contexts, given their specific techno-economic parameter values.     

Pyrolysis of mixtures of sewage sludge and manure: a comparison of the results obtained in the laboratory (semi-pilot) and in a pilot plant

A pilot-scale pyrolysis process was carried out for the treatment of a mixture of two types of waste, sewage sludge and cattle manure, comparing the results with others obtained under laboratory conditions (semi-pilot scale). The aim of this study was to obtain the energetic valorization of the products. Owing to the specific characteristics of the plant, two products were obtained from the process: gas and carbonized solid. As no liquid fraction was obtained, the gas fraction is a greater percentage made up of both condensable and non-condensable compounds, which were obtained separately at the laboratory scale. The pilot plant was designed so that the gases produced by thermolysis were burnt continuously in a combustion chamber, while the carbonized fraction was fed in batches for co-combustion. To determine composition and combustion ability, the gas and solid products from the pilot process were characterized by chromatographic analysis of the gaseous fraction and chemical analysis and programmed-temperature combustion of the carbonized solid. The composition of the combustion gases, rich in light hydrocarbons, and the carbon present in the carbonized fraction enable the energetic valorization of these products. The combustion gases were subjected to a cleaning process and their composition analysed twice: before and after the gas cleaning treatment. The study led to a positive assessment of the possible use of the process products as fuel, provided that the combustion gases are treated. As most of the sulphur and chlorine from the original waste are mainly concentrated in the solid fraction, the use of char as a fuel will depend on the effectiveness of clean-up techniques for combustion gases. During gas cleansing, neutralizing with sodium bicarbonate proved effective, especially for the acidic compounds HCl, HF and SO(2).     

Analysis and Case Study of Duststorms in the Beijing Area

Dust weather conditions with strong wind often occur in Beijing during spring. The number of duststorms in Beijing has declined since 1954. In the last two years, however, the number of duststorms in Beijing has increased drastically due to frequent cold air movements and the deteriorated ecological environment. The heaviest duststorm in the last decade in Beijing occurred on 6 April 2000. It was caused by the development of a high-level small trough along with strong northwest wind behind a large trough that moved eastward and developed a strong cold air system. A non-hydrostatic meso-scale numerical model (MM5) gave a good forecast to the duststorm's major features and movement. Simulated results showed that there was a strong vertical ascending motion with a strong positive vorticity center in mid and low level. The mesoscale structure's formation and development and movement were consistent with the passage and moving direction of the duststorm. At the same time, the trajectories of air particles during this duststorm event and another case (on 27 March 2000) were estimated and analyzed, which had the comparable results with the real situation and the trajectory monitored by meteorological satellite. The trajectories analysis could help us study the transport track and sand source to some extent.     

Organizing preliminary storage sites of organic material,waste fuels and recyclables and their separating distance from populated areas

European Union directives have urged member countries to enhance the recycling and separation of waste fractions, and this has increased the number of temporary storage sites of recyclables and waste fuels. Spontaneous fires at temporary storage sites have become common and pose social/health/environmental risks. Storage sites should be sited sufficiently far from populated regions, so that the concentration of released pollutants from open fires falls below the critical air quality index before the plume reach the downwind population. In this study, the open-burn/open-detonation model developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency was employed, and 540 simulations were performed for nine scenarios of open burning of household waste to estimate suitable sizes of storage heaps and adequate distances between storage sites and populated regions. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was performed for 1,080 additional simulations to determine the effects of variations in the burn rate, storage dimension and volume of the waste heap on the model output. The resulting chart can be directly employed by waste operators/environmental agencies to organize storage sites to minimize externalities due to open fires. Furthermore, using ArcGIS software, first-cut information of the total Swedish population facing the risk of hazards due to spontaneous fires was provided.     

High fire resistance in blocks containing coal combustion fly ashes and bottom ash

Fire resistance recycled blocks, containing fly ash and bottom ash from coal combustion power plants with a high fire resistance, are studied in this paper by testing different compositions using Portland cement type II, sand, coarse aggregate and fly ash (up to 50% of total weight) and bottom ash (up to 30% of total weight). The fire resistance, physical-chemical (density, pH, humidity, and water absorption capacity), mechanical (compressive and flexural strength), and leaching properties are measured on blocks made with different proportions of fly ash and bottom ash. The standard fire resistance test is reproduced on 28 cm-high, 18 cm-wide and 3 cm-thick units, and is measured as the time needed to reach a temperature of 180 °C on the non-exposed surface of the blocks for the different compositions.The results show that the replacement of fine aggregate with fly ash and of coarse aggregate with bottom ash have a remarkable influence on fire resistance and cause no detriment to the mechanical properties of the product. Additionally, according to the leaching tests, no environmental problems have been detected in the product. These results lead to an analysis of the recycling possibilities of these by-products in useful construction applications for the passive protection against fire.     

The use of tyre pyrolysis oil in diesel engines

Tests have been carried out to evaluate the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of a single cylinder direct injection diesel engine fueled with 10%, 30%, and 50% of tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) blended with diesel fuel (DF). The TPO was derived from waste automobile tyres through vacuum pyrolysis. The combustion parameters such as heat release rate, cylinder peak pressure, and maximum rate of pressure rise also analysed. Results showed that the brake thermal efficiency of the engine fueled with TPO-DF blends increased with an increase in blend concentration and reduction of DF concentration. NO(x), HC, CO, and smoke emissions were found to be higher at higher loads due to the high aromatic content and longer ignition delay. The cylinder peak pressure increased from 71 bars to 74 bars. The ignition delays were longer than with DF. It is concluded that it is possible to use tyre pyrolysis oil in diesel engines as an alternate fuel in the future.     

Environmental Effects of In Situ Burning of Oil Spills in Inland and Upland Habitats

In situ burning of inland and upland habitats is an alternative oil spill cleanup technique that, when used appropriately, may be more environmentally acceptable than intrusive manual, mechanical, and chemical treatments. There have been few published reports documenting the environmental effects of in situ burning in inland and upland habitats. Thus, this study, sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute, used two approaches to increase the knowledge base and improve the appropriate use of in situ burning: (1) detailed review of published and unpublished in situ burn case histories for inland and upland spills; and (2) summaries of fire effects and other information from the literature on fire ecology and prescribed burning. Thirty-one case histories were summarized to identify the state of the practice concerning the reasons for burning, favorable conditions for burning, and evaluations of burn effects. The fire ecology and effects summaries included information from the extensive knowledge base surrounding wildfire and prescribed burning (without oil) as a natural resource management tool, as well as fire tolerance and burning considerations for dominant vegetation types of the United States. Results from these two approaches should improve the application of in situ burning for inland and upland spills.