Health concerns limit the allowed emissions of chlorinated hydrocarbons, which are initially present in a fuel or formed during combustion, to concentrations in the parts per billion range. A catalytically stabilized thermal combustor offers an alternative to current high residence time incinerators for the effective and economical destruction of organic materials. The primary research objective is to develop an improved model for predicting catalytic combustor performance. The model will include a complete chemical kinetic mechanism, and will be capable of handling the varying operating conditions of a field prototype, including start-up, shut- down, and auxiliary fuel burning. The research addresses the development of basic mechanistic data for catalytically stabilized combustion of hazardous organics, which impacts upon emission, safety, and economics to the waste producer. Because the potential benefits address the key issues facing both waste producers and regulators, successful research is likely to attract non-Federal investment for further incinerator development, especially in light of restrictions being placed on landfills and other off-site disposal strategies.
