Characterization of particulate emissions during pyrolysis and incineration of refuse derived fuel

Particle emissions generated during different stages of pyrolysis/incineration of refused derived fuel at the outlet of a pilot scale incinerator were characterized for mobility (with SMPS), total mass concentration (by filters) as well as by an optical particle counter and an impactor. Samples were extracted at a gas temperature 600°C and cooled to about 150°C. Total mass reached its peak of about 30 mg/Nm3 during pyrolysis following the addition of fresh fuel, and dropped to a minimum around 2 mg/Nm3 during after-combustion, as would be expected. Emissions during all stages were exclusively in the submicron range with number concentrations of 105–106 cm−3 and median diameters between 0.05 and 0.15 μm. The upper ends of those ranges were attained during the transition from pyrolysis to combustion. No particles above 1μm were detected with any of the instruments.