Characterization of bottom ash from petrochemical waste incinerator

The purpose of this study is to investigate bottom ash from a petrochemical waste incinerator in terms of its physical properties, chemical compositions and leaching behavior. Results showed that mean values for the Fineness Modulus (FM), for water absorption and for the saturated surface dry specific gravity (SSDSG) of bottom ash were 2.56, 12.82% and 3.21, respectively. Main oxides of bottom ash were Fe3O4, CaO, Sulfur (reported as SO3), MgO and ZnO with weight percentages of 49.8, 16.2, 7.6, 4.0 and 3.8, respectively. Two standard leaching tests under different leaching conditions [EN 12457-2 and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)] were performed in order to compare results with regulatory values. Chemical analysis and leaching behavior of the studied Petrochemical Incinerator Bottom Ash (PI-BA) showed this material should be considered hazardous waste with respect to release of trace metallic elements (Cu, Cr and Zn) and should be properly managed in accordance with hazardous waste regulations. © 2011 DEStech Publications, Inc.