BASIC: A Comprehensive Model for SO Formation Mechanism and Optimization in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Combustion.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Combustion Science

Background:

• Municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration is a key waste-to-energy (WTE) technology in China.
• Sulfur emissions from MSW incineration pose environmental and health risks, necessitating effective prediction and control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a comprehensive model for investigating sulfur pollutant formation during MSW incineration.
• To analyze the impact of various operating parameters on sulfur pollutant generation and identify optimization strategies.

Main Methods:

• Coupling a comprehensive model with the Bulk Accumulated Solids Incineration Code (BASIC) to simulate the full combustion process.
• Incorporating submodels for four MSW combustion stages, conservation equations (mass, momentum, energy), and chemical reactions.
• Conducting simulation studies under diverse operating conditions to assess parameter effects.

Main Results:

• Initial temperature, primary air volume, and material particle size were identified as significant factors influencing sulfur dioxide (SO2) formation.
• Pressure was found to have a less significant effect on SO2 formation.
• The study also examined the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide (COS), and carbon disulfide (CS2).

Conclusions:

• The developed model provides insights into sulfur pollutant formation pathways in MSW incineration.
• Operational parameters can be optimized to mitigate SO2 emissions.
• Further research can build upon this model for enhanced environmental control in WTE facilities.