Corrosion in waste-fired boilers: A thermodynamic study

A twofold study using thermodynamic equilibrium calculations was carried out to study corrosion in MSW incinerators. Corrosion was associated with the amount of alkalis and trace metals gaseous chlorides. Firstly, a two-level factorial experimental design combined with a data analysis were used to determine the main and interaction effects for various alkalis and trace metals gaseous chlorides responses. The factors studied were Na, K, S and Cl concentrations. The results provided a picture of the controlling parameters and insight about the processes taking place. Secondly, the efficiency of two corrosion-fighting additives (ammonium sulphate and silica) was investigated. Calculations confirmed experimental results and brought further insight on differentiated results for Na, K, Pb and Zn but also on capture mechanisms. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.