Emissions of Metal and Organic Compounds from Cement Kilns Using Waste Derived Fuels

Abstract

Research completed to date suggests that the use of waste as a substitute fuel in cement kilns is fundamentally sound in theory, and in a number of cases, has been demonstrated sound in practice. Analysis of the database generated in certificate of compliance tests clearly demonstrate that cement plants burning waste-derived fuel (WDF) can employ existing technology to meet and in some cases exceed current emission regulations. With the exception of cement kilns using raw materials with high levels of hydrocarbons, the emission of organics can be controlled by applying well-established good-combustion practices. Metals emissions from cement plants burning WDF can be predicted based upon input metal flow rates, provided that plant-specific information on the collection efficiency of air pollution control equipment and by-pass flow rates are available.