The Speciation and Thermal Transformation Characteristics of Fluorine and Chlorine in Industrial Wastes

Abstract

The study investigated the chlorine and fluorine contents in three types of industrial solid waste: textile, plastic, and paper waste, utilizing a variety of analytical methods. Significant variations in the proportions of organic and inorganic chlorine were observed among the waste types. During heat treatment, the majority of chlorine converted to a volatile state, with fixed chlorine content showing a correlation with organic chlorine. Organic fluorine predominated in all waste types, predominantly transitioning to a volatile state during heat treatment. Notably, textile waste exhibited unique behavior, potentially converting some organic fluorine into a fixed state due to flame retardant additives. Analysis of flue gas during practical co-incineration of industrial solid waste revealed a substantial increase in chloride concentration, accompanied by the presence of organic chlorides such as chlorobenzene, methane chloride, and ethane chloride. These findings underscore the importance of implementing preventive measures against chlorine and fluorine emissions during industrial waste co-incineration.

Keywords: Industrial waste, Occurrence of element, Volatile chlorine, Volatile fluorine, Halogen thermal conversion