Distribution behavior of heavy metals investigated in a laboratory-scale incinerator

The distribution behavior of Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu, Mo and Zn was determined in a laboratory-scale incinerator. Points of interest were the influence of the temperature and combustion atmosphere on the emission rates of those metals, orientating at frequent combustion conditions of accidental fires. The experiments were carried out at 600 degrees C and 800 degrees C in N2, air, N2 + HCl and air + HCl atmospheres. Furthermore, the influence of the matrix (quartz, polyethylene and cellulose powder) on the distribution behavior of the heavy metals was investigated as well. It was determined whether the distribution behavior of Cu, Pb and Cd were affected by the other heavy metals. In conclusion, it was found that in air and N2 atmosphere a temperature increase from 600 degrees C to 800 degrees C and the addition of the matrix had no effect on the evaporation rates of the heavy metals, except for Cd. Addition of gaseous HCl led to increased evaporation of the heavy metals. The increase of the evaporation rates during the experiments with matrix was higher for Fe, remained the same for Pb, Cd, Zn, and lower for Mo and Cu compared to the experiments without matrix.