Plasma Vitrification of Air Pollution Control Residues From Municipal Solid-Waste Incineration

In the frame of studies devoted to hazardous waste destruction, a specially designed plasma torch with a double-anode configuration has been developed and tested. It produces an elongated, weak-fluctuation, and reproducible plasma jet at atmospheric pressure. A calcium-rich air pollution control residue from a mechanical-grate municipal solid-waste incinerator is vitrified by this plasma arc technology. The produced slag shows a homogeneous, dense, and amorphous glassy structure, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Leaching results show that excellent immobilization of heavy metals in the silicate matrix can be achieved. Plasma vitrification also ensures high elimination efficiency (> 99.9%) of dioxins and furans. These results indicate that the slag produced has great potential for construction or geotechnical applications.