Characterization of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs emitted from two woodchip boilers in Taiwan

Shih Ting Bai, Shu Hao Chang, Jing Min Duh, Fu Hsiang Sung, Jhen Sheng Su, Moo Been Chang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study investigates the formation and removal of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in two woodchips boilers during different operating periods. Results indicate that combustion condition affects PCDD/F and dl-PCB formation within the woodchip combustion process. PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations during the start-up period are much higher than those measured during normal operation and shut-down periods due to unstable combustion. PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations at APCDs inlet of Plant A are significantly higher than that of Plant B due to the lower combustion temperature (500–850 °C) compared with Plant B (850–925 °C). Major PCDD/F congeners at APCDs inlet of both plants during normal operation are O8CDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-H7CDD and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-H7CDF, while major dl-PCBs are TeCB-77, PeCB-118 and PeCB-126. The removal efficiencies of PCDD/F and PCBs achieved with the APCDs of Plant A are 95.6% and 88.6%, respectively, while those of Plant B are 99.3% and 94.9%. Possibly, the AC concentration of Plant A exceeds the optimal AC concentration and, PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs might be formed because the AC injected can supply additional reaction area and carbon source. Also, this may be due to different operating temperatures of APCDs, which affects removal efficiency of PCDD/F and dl-PCB congeners. The emission factors (PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs) of Plants A and B are calculated as 17.86 and 1.25 μg I-TEQ/ton, respectively. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs in the BF ash of Plants A and B during normal operation are measured as 98.57 and 38.06 ng I-TEQ/g, which are significantly higher than the standard limit (1.0 ng I-TEQ/g) promulgated by Taiwan EPA.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)284-290
Number of pages7
JournalChemosphere
Volume189
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Air pollution control devices
  • dl-PCBs
  • Emission
  • PCDD/Fs
  • Waste wood combustion

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characterization of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs emitted from two woodchip boilers in Taiwan'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this