Determination of metals in flue gases from a small-scale incinerator plant, with emphasis on the sampling method

A method for isokinetic sampling of metals in the particulate and vapour phase in flue gases is described. The particulate matter was trapped on quartzfibre filters, held by a custom made 45 mm filter holder. The metals in the vapour phase were trapped in absorption solutions. The calculations of necessary gas flow for obtaining isokinetic gas sampling, conditions and the calculations for normalizing the sampled gas volume are described in detail. The developed method was used for sampling flue gases from the incineration of the following five waste fuels: household waste (MSW), pelletized return plastics, pig manure mixed with sawdust, wooden building materials and small particulate residue remaining after splintering of the wooden building materials. A considerable level of lead was observed in flue gas from incineration of return wood. Flue gases from household waste contained the lowest levels of metals.