PICs—A Consequence of Stable Intermediate Formation during Hazardous Waste Incineration (Dichloromethane)

ABSTRACT Incineration, as a hazardous waste disposal strategy, is preferred since this alternative ideally destroys organic wastes, converting them to less toxic or harmless compounds. The scientific community is nearly unanimous in its support of this control technique; however, adverse public opinion in many instances is delaying its widespread use. The absence of absolute emission standards is hypothesized as one reason for this general public opinion. This paper presents data in the form of measured stable species through flat flames initially comprised of dichloromethane, methane and air. A number of the species identified in these flames correspond with Product of Incomplete Combustion (PIC) data reported in the literature. Both the laboratory and field results suggest that, since candidate PIC formation is synonymous with stable intermediate generation, the occurrence of PIC emissions may be exhibited during both on-design and off-design operation of an incinerator facility. The paper discusses the...