Construction and novel application of a flat flame burner facility to study hazardous waste combustion

Abstract

The construction and application of a flat flame facility specifically used in hazardous waste combustion studies are reported. The corrosive nature of the products formed during combustion of organic hazardous wastes requires special consideration in not only the design and selection of materials, but also in maintenance procedures. Sustained operational reliability, accurate measurement capabilities, and minimal human hazards were targeted as principal design considerations. Details are provided regarding the configuration of the laboratory scale burner chamber, the reactant feed systems, and the exhaust handling equipment, along with the probe arrangements used to collect experimental species and temperature data. A unique pumpless feed system capable of both metering and vaporizing liquid hazardous feed stocks is detailed. Special experimental constraints and the procedures followed to overcome these complexities are described. Test data for a dichloromethane/methane/air flame are provided.