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Title: Combat incinerator offgas corrosion; Part 1

Journal Article · · Chemical Engineering Progress; (United States)
OSTI ID:7046780

Thermal oxidation in sophisticated incineration systems has become the technically preferred method for permanent disposal of chemical wastes, medical wastes, and hazardous wastes. The waste streams processed in these incineration systems contain sulfur, chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine, nitrogen, and phosphorus compounds. After combustion, they all form corrosive acidic liquids when absorbed in water. The resulting solutions can cause severe corrosion problems with most common metals. Upon initial gas contact with the scrubbing liquid, the pH can precipitously drop to less than zero, simultaneously with alternate high and low temperature swings. The combination of thermal shock and severely corrosive conditions can destroy improperly selected materials in minutes or hours to result in catastrophic system failures. After the gas stream has been quenched, materials selection, while still critical, becomes somewhat simpler. In general, nonmetallic materials are used where mechanical stress levels allow their use. However, when mechanical strength becomes a major concern, the high nickel alloys must be used. This article discusses the operating conditions which scrubbing systems are subjected to in incinerator applications, and materials selection for various component parts of the scrubbing system. The use of refractories, high nickel alloys, thermoplastics, fiber reinforced plastics, and rubber coatings will be reviewed.

OSTI ID:
7046780
Journal Information:
Chemical Engineering Progress; (United States), Vol. 90:1; ISSN 0360-7275
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English