Some questions on Incineration

[gribbon]

Hi everyone…. I thought this could be an interesting topic….

 

Incineration, as well as being a way to get rid of waste is increasingly being viewed upon as an energy supplement, but there are a number of concerns relating to this, not least the emissions released. Despite some recent programmes about this, Wikipedia claims that:

 

“….due to advances in emission control designs and stringent new governmental regulations, modern waste-to-energy incinerators emit virtually no dioxins….”

 

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incinerator)

 

It is also my understanding that it was only in 1987 that the regualtions on incinerators came into place in the U.S, and that as result, the total number of dioxins produced has been reduced by 99.99%, and Wikipedia seems to back this claim, too.

 

So Wikipedia would have us believe that modern incinerators are safe. But with so many different plastics available commercially, is this really true? Does anyone know of site which contradicts this? Furthermore, have such regulations been enforced in other countries operating incinerators? Beyond this, is it already a bit late to stop increased risk of cancer amongst older generations?

 

It is also my understanding that incineration resuts in the release of Mercury, Cadmium and Lead and Zinc (which occur in the fly ash) into the environment…but how does this compare to other industrial procedures, and in particular, what are the emissions of modern coal plants like in comparison? (Which also release minute quantities of heavy metals.) The fly ash is the most dangerous part, but the bottom ash may also contain dangerous toxins. Unfortunately, Wikipedia doesn’t have any statistics regarding the average level of toxicity, which for me seems important, seeing as incinerating waste is almost pointless if it turns out that most of the time the stuff is too dangerous to reuse.

 

I would also be interested to know of any new ways to clean dioxins and furans from the waste gases produced, and the economics of this. Besides “scrubbing” what other methods are viable? I once read an article in an engineering magazine that claimed that this vast energy resource was capable of providing around 17% of the UK’s energy needs, though I have not been able to verify in all my searching whether this is true or not, but either way, this seems like a valuable source of energy, providing these questions can be met with a satisfactory answer for critics. ;) :hyper:

[Cedars]

It is also my understanding that it was only in 1987 that the regualtions on incinerators came into place in the U.S, and that as result, the total number of dioxins produced has been reduced by 99.99%, and Wikipedia seems to back this claim, too.

 

In Minnesota, it was long before 1987 that regulations on incinerators came into effect. It may be that on the fed level that 1987 came under mandate. I think California was another state that regulated incinerator emmissions long before that date but I am not 100% sure.

 

It is also my understanding that incineration resuts in the release of Mercury, Cadmium and Lead and Zinc (which occur in the fly ash) into the environment…but how does this compare to other industrial procedures, and in particular, what are the emissions of modern coal plants like in comparison? (Which also release minute quantities of heavy metals.) The fly ash is the most dangerous part, but the bottom ash may also contain dangerous toxins.

 

I dont know that you can compare coal to industrial incineration releases due to the difference in the base product being incinerated.

 

I would also be interested to know of any new ways to clean dioxins and furans from the waste gases produced, and the economics of this. Besides “scrubbing” what other methods are viable?

 

Heres a good article on the incineration process:

 

ETC -HAZARDOUS WASTE INCINERATION:

[gribbon]

I think that link you gave me anwsered just about every question I had....thanks...only trouble is, what would we make our plastics from if we incinerate all the waste and then use up all the oil reserves we have left?

 

But anyway...thanks...:evil: :)