Grantee Research Project Results
Products of Incomplete Combustion in the Incineration of Brominated Hydrocarbons
EPA Grant Number: R828193Title: Products of Incomplete Combustion in the Incineration of Brominated Hydrocarbons
Investigators: Senkan, Selim M.
Institution: University of California - Los Angeles
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2003
Project Amount: $350,000
RFA: Combustion Emissions (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , Air
Description:
Incineration is an effective treatment method for the disposal of organic hazardous wastes, including those that contain halogenated hydrocarbons. However, the combustion of halogenated hydrocarbons are associated with the formation of trace toxic by-products, such as halogenated aromatics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), halogenated di-benzo-dioxins (HDD), halogenated di-benzo-furans (HDF), bi-phenyls and pyrenes. Since some of the isomers of these products of incomplete combustion (PIC) are potent carcinogens, the development of a better understanding of their origins and fate are important for the continued safe utilization of the incineration technology. The objectives of the proposed research program are to develop fundamental and practical insights on the formation and control of potentially toxic products of incomplete combustion (PIC) in the incineration of brominated hydrocarbons (BHC).
Approach:
The above objectives will be reached by undertaking an integrated program of experimental and theoretical/computational studies, although the major emphasis will be the former. The specific objectives of the proposed research program are to experimentally determine the absolute concentration profiles of the major, minor and trace PIC species, as well as temperature and soot profiles in the laminar premixed and diffusion flames of CH3Br, CH2Br2 in mixtures with CH4. Species concentration profiles will be determined using heated micro-probe sampling coupled to both high resolution gas chromatography/quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/QMS) and laser photoionization (LP) time of flight mass spectrometry (TOF/NLS). Temperature measurements will be accomplished using both the rapid insertion thermocouple technique and the filtered Rayleigh scattering (FRS) method. Soot volume fractions, diameters and number densities will be measured using classical light scattering. We will also start the development of detailed chemical kinetic mechanisms (DCKM) describing the formation and destruction of PIC in flames containing brominated hydrocarbons.
Expected Results:
The proposed program, when completed, will provide information on several fronts. First, by generating comprehensive data, from major to minor to trace species concentration profiles, and soot and temperature profiles in a single experiment, we will provide to the combustion/incineration community valuable new data that can confidently be used to develop and validate detailed chemical kinetic mechanisms describing the combustion of brominated hydrocarbons in flames. Second. the detailed mechanisms developed can subsequently be combined with fluid mechanical models to simulate, design and control practical incinerators so that their operations could result in the emissions of lowest possible levels of PIC and therefore pose the least possible risk to the public health.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 10 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 6 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Laser spectroscopy, real time monitoring., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Toxics, Waste, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Environmental Chemistry, HAPS, Fate & Transport, Analytical Chemistry, chemical mixtures, Environmental Monitoring, Ecology and Ecosystems, Atmospheric Sciences, Incineration/Combustion, fate and transport, mass spectrometry, products of incomplete combustion (PIC), Dibenzofurans, hazardous waste incinerators, PAH, gas chromatography, furans, Biphenyl, hydrocarbons, dioxins, incineration, detailed chemical kinetics, toxic by-productsProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.