Controlled high-temperature incineration is one of the most promising methods for obtaining safe and permanent disposal of highly toxic organic wastes. A sophisticated laboratory system has been designed and assembled to provide fundamental thermal decomposition data on a wide assortment of organic materials. This thermal decomposition analytical system (TDAS) is a specially designed, closed, continuous system consisting of a versatile and fully instrumented thermal decomposition unit which is connected to dedicated in-line gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and data reduction equipment. The TDAS has been designed to generate fundamental thermal decomposition data rapidly, economically, and safely. These laboratory data should be instrumental in establishing acceptable criteria for controlled high-temperature incineration of toxic organic wastes.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 75-90). Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio, submitted by the University of Dayton, Research Institute, under grant no. Contract Number: R805117-01-0.