COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2019/2010
of 12 November 2019
establishing the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, for waste incineration
(notified under document C(2019) 7987)
(Text with EEA relevance)
Article 1
Article 2
ANNEX
BEST AVAILABLE TECHNIQUES (BAT) CONCLUSIONS FOR WASTE INCINERATION
SCOPE
DEFINITIONS
Term |
Definition |
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General terms |
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Boiler efficiency |
Ratio between the energy produced at the boiler output (e.g. steam, hot water) and the waste’s and auxiliary fuel’s energy input to the furnace (as lower heating values). |
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Bottom ash treatment plant |
Plant treating slags and/or bottom ashes from the incineration of waste in order to separate and recover the valuable fraction and to allow the beneficial use of the remaining fraction. This does not include the sole separation of coarse metals at the incineration plant. |
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Clinical waste |
Infectious or otherwise hazardous waste arising from healthcare institutions (e.g. hospitals). |
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Channelled emissions |
Emissions of pollutants into the environment through any kind of duct, pipe, stack, chimney, funnel, flue, etc. |
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Continuous measurement |
Measurement using an automated measuring system permanently installed on site. |
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Diffuse emissions |
Non-channelled emissions (e.g. of dust, volatile compounds, odour) into the environment, which can result from ‘area’ sources (e.g. tankers) or ‘point’ sources (e.g. pipe flanges). |
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Existing plant |
A plant that is not a new plant. |
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Fly ashes |
Particles from the combustion chamber or formed within the flue-gas stream that are transported in the flue-gas. |
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Hazardous waste |
Hazardous waste as defined in Article 3(2) of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(1). |
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Incineration of waste |
The combustion of waste, either alone or in combination with fuels, in an incineration plant. |
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Incineration plant |
Either a waste incineration plant as defined in Article 3(40) of Directive 2010/75/EU or a waste co-incineration plant as defined in Article 3(41) of Directive 2010/75/EU, covered by the scope of these BAT conclusions. |
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Major plant upgrade |
A major change in the design or technology of a plant with major adjustments or replacements of the process and/or abatement technique(s) and associated equipment. |
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Municipal solid waste |
Solid waste from households (mixed or separately collected) as well as solid waste from other sources that is comparable to household waste in nature and composition. |
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New plant |
A plant first permitted following the publication of these BAT conclusions or a complete replacement of a plant following the publication of these BAT conclusions. |
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Other non-hazardous waste |
Non-hazardous waste that is neither municipal solid waste nor sewage sludge. |
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Part of an incineration plant |
For the purposes of determining the gross electrical efficiency or the gross energy efficiency of an incineration plant, a part of it may refer for example to:
|
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Periodic measurement |
Measurement at specified time intervals using manual or automated methods. |
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Residues |
Any liquid or solid waste which is generated by an incineration plant or by a bottom ash treatment plant. |
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Sensitive receptor |
Area which needs special protection, such as:
|
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Sewage sludge |
Residual sludge from the storage, handling and treatment of domestic, urban or industrial waste water. For the purposes of these BAT conclusions, residual sludges constituting hazardous waste are excluded. |
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Slags and/or bottom ashes |
Solid residues removed from the furnace once wastes have been incinerated. |
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Valid half-hourly average |
A half-hourly average is considered valid when there is no maintenance or malfunction of the automated measuring system. |
Term |
Definition |
Pollutants and parameters |
|
As |
The sum of arsenic and its compounds, expressed as As. |
Cd |
The sum of cadmium and its compounds, expressed as Cd. |
Cd+Tl |
The sum of cadmium, thallium and their compounds, expressed as Cd+Tl. |
CO |
Carbon monoxide. |
Cr |
The sum of chromium and its compounds, expressed as Cr. |
Cu |
The sum of copper and its compounds, expressed as Cu. |
Dioxin-like PCBs |
PCBs showing a similar toxicity to the 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/PCDF according to the World Health Organization (WHO). |
Dust |
Total particulate matter (in air). |
HCl |
Hydrogen chloride. |
HF |
Hydrogen fluoride. |
Hg |
The sum of mercury and its compounds, expressed as Hg. |
Loss on ignition |
Change in mass as a result of heating a sample under specified conditions. |
N2O |
Dinitrogen monoxide (nitrous oxide). |
NH3 |
Ammonia. |
NH4-N |
Ammonium nitrogen, expressed as N, includes free ammonia (NH3) and ammonium (NH4 +). |
Ni |
The sum of nickel and its compounds, expressed as Ni. |
NOX |
The sum of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), expressed as NO2. |
Pb |
The sum of lead and its compounds, expressed as Pb. |
PBDD/F |
Polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and –furans. |
PCBs |
Polychlorinated biphenyls. |
PCDD/F |
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans. |
POPs |
Persistent Organic Pollutants as listed in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council(2) and its amendments. |
Sb |
The sum of antimony and its compounds, expressed as Sb. |
Sb+As+Pb+Cr+Co+Cu+Mn+Ni+V |
The sum of antimony, arsenic, lead, chromium, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, vanadium and their compounds, expressed as Sb+As+Pb+Cr+Co+Cu+Mn+Ni+V. |
SO2 |
Sulphur dioxide. |
Sulphate (SO4 2-) |
Dissolved sulphate, expressed as SO4 2-. |
TOC |
Total organic carbon, expressed as C (in water); includes all organic compounds. |
TOC content (in solid residues) |
Total organic carbon content. The quantity of carbon that is converted into carbon dioxide by combustion and which is not liberated as carbon dioxide by acid treatment. |
TSS |
Total suspended solids. Mass concentration of all suspended solids (in water), measured via filtration through glass fibre filters and gravimetry. |
Tl |
The sum of thallium and its compounds, expressed as Tl. |
TVOC |
Total volatile organic carbon, expressed as C (in air). |
Zn |
The sum of zinc and its compounds, expressed as Zn. |
ACRONYMS
Acronym |
Definition |
EMS |
Environmental management system |
FDBR |
Fachverband Anlagenbau (from the previous name of the organisation: Fachverband Dampfkessel-, Behälter- und Rohrleitungsbau) |
FGC |
Flue-gas cleaning |
OTNOC |
Other than normal operating conditions |
SCR |
Selective catalytic reduction |
SNCR |
Selective non-catalytic reduction |
I-TEQ |
International toxic equivalent according to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) schemes |
WHO-TEQ |
Toxic equivalent according to the World Health Organization (WHO) schemes |
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Best Available Techniques
Emission levels associated with the best available techniques (BAT-AELs) for emissions to air
Activity |
Reference oxygen level (OR) |
Incineration of waste |
11 dry vol-% |
Bottom ash treatment |
No correction for the oxygen level |
Type of measurement |
Averaging period |
Definition |
Continuous |
Half-hourly average |
Average value over a period of 30 minutes |
Daily average |
Average over a period of one day based on valid half-hourly averages |
|
Periodic |
Average over the sampling period |
Average value of three consecutive measurements of at least 30 minutes each(3) |
Long-term sampling period |
Value over a sampling period of 2 to 4 weeks |
Emission levels associated with the best available techniques (BAT-AELs) for emissions to water
Energy efficiency levels associated with the best available techniques (BAT-AEELs)
Gross electrical efficiency |
[Bild bitte in Originalquelle ansehen] |
Gross energy efficiency |
[Bild bitte in Originalquelle ansehen] |
Content of unburnt substances in bottom ashes/slags
1. BAT CONCLUSIONS
1.1.
Environmental management systems
Note
Applicability
1.2.
Monitoring
Stream/Location |
Parameter(s) |
Monitoring |
Flue-gas from the incineration of waste |
Flow, oxygen content, temperature, pressure, water vapour content |
Continuous measurement |
Combustion chamber |
Temperature |
|
Waste water from wet FGC |
Flow, pH, temperature |
|
Waste water from bottom ash treatment plants |
Flow, pH, conductivity |
Substance/ Parameter |
Process |
Standard(s)(4) |
Minimum monitoring frequency(5) |
Monitoring associated with |
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NOX |
Incineration of waste |
Generic EN standards |
Continuous |
BAT 29 |
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NH3 |
Incineration of waste when SNCR and/or SCR is used |
Generic EN standards |
Continuous |
BAT 29 |
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N2O |
|
EN 21258(6) |
Once every year |
BAT 29 |
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CO |
Incineration of waste |
Generic EN standards |
Continuous |
BAT 29 |
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SO2 |
Incineration of waste |
Generic EN standards |
Continuous |
BAT 27 |
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HCl |
Incineration of waste |
Generic EN standards |
Continuous |
BAT 27 |
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HF |
Incineration of waste |
Generic EN standards |
Continuous(7) |
BAT 27 |
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Dust |
Bottom ash treatment |
EN 13284-1 |
Once every year |
BAT 26 |
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Incineration of waste |
Generic EN standards and EN 13284-2 |
Continuous |
BAT 25 |
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Metals and metalloids except mercury (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, V) |
Incineration of waste |
EN 14385 |
Once every six months |
BAT 25 |
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Hg |
Incineration of waste |
Generic EN standards and EN 14884 |
Continuous(8) |
BAT 31 |
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TVOC |
Incineration of waste |
Generic EN standards |
Continuous |
BAT 30 |
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PBDD/F |
Incineration of waste(9) |
No EN standard available |
Once every six months |
BAT 30 |
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PCDD/F |
Incineration of waste |
EN 1948-1, EN 1948-2, EN 1948-3 |
Once every six months for short-term sampling |
BAT 30 |
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No EN standard available for long-term sampling, EN 1948-2, EN 1948-3 |
Once every month for long-term sampling(10) |
BAT 30 |
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Dioxin-like PCBs |
Incineration of waste |
EN 1948-1, EN 1948-2, EN 1948-4 |
Once every six months for short-term sampling(11) |
BAT 30 |
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No EN standard available for long-term sampling, EN 1948-2, EN 1948-4 |
Once every month for long-term sampling (10) (11) |
BAT 30 |
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Benzo[a]pyrene |
Incineration of waste |
No EN standard available |
Once every year |
BAT 30 |
Description
Substance/Parameter |
Process |
Standard(s) |
Minimum monitoring frequency |
Monitoring associated with |
Total organic carbon (TOC) |
FGC |
EN 1484 |
Once every month |
BAT 34 |
Bottom ash treatment |
Once every month (12) |
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Total suspended solids (TSS) |
FGC |
EN 872 |
Once every day (13) |
|
Bottom ash treatment |
Once every month (12) |
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As |
FGC |
Various EN standards available (e.g. EN ISO 11885, EN ISO 15586 or EN ISO 17294-2) |
Once every month |
|
Cd |
FGC |
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Cr |
FGC |
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Cu |
FGC |
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Mo |
FGC |
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Ni |
FGC |
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Pb |
FGC |
Once every month |
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Bottom ash treatment |
Once every month (12) |
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Sb |
FGC |
Once every month |
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Tl |
FGC |
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Zn |
FGC |
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Hg |
FGC |
Various EN standards available (e.g. EN ISO 12846 or EN ISO 17852) |
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Ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) |
Bottom ash treatment |
Various EN standards available (e.g. EN ISO 11732, EN ISO 14911) |
Once every month (12) |
|
Chloride (Cl-) |
Bottom ash treatment |
Various EN standards available (e.g. EN ISO 10304-1, EN ISO 15682) |
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Sulphate (SO4 2-) |
Bottom ash treatment |
EN ISO 10304-1 |
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PCDD/F |
FGC |
No EN standard available |
Once every month (12) |
|
Bottom ash treatment |
Once every six months |
Parameter |
Standard(s) |
Minimum monitoring frequency |
Monitoring associated with |
Loss on ignition (14) |
EN 14899 and either EN 15169 or EN 15935 |
Once every three months |
BAT 14 |
Total organic carbon (14) (15) |
EN 14899 and either EN 13137 or EN 15936 |
Description
Applicability
1.3.
General environmental and combustion performance
|
Technique |
Description |
(a) |
Determination of the types of waste that can be incinerated |
Based on the characteristics of the incineration plant, identification of the types of waste which can be incinerated in terms of, for example, the physical state, the chemical characteristics, the hazardous properties, and the acceptable ranges of calorific value, humidity, ash content and size. |
(b) |
Set-up and implementation of waste characterisation and pre-acceptance procedures |
These procedures aim to ensure the technical (and legal) suitability of waste treatment operations for a particular waste prior to the arrival of the waste at the plant. They include procedures to collect information about the waste input and may include waste sampling and characterisation to achieve sufficient knowledge of the waste composition. Waste pre-acceptance procedures are risk-based considering, for example, the hazardous properties of the waste, the risks posed by the waste in terms of process safety, occupational safety and environmental impact, as well as the information provided by the previous waste holder(s). |
(c) |
Set-up and implementation of waste acceptance procedures |
Acceptance procedures aim to confirm the characteristics of the waste, as identified at the pre-acceptance stage. These procedures define the elements to be verified upon the delivery of the waste at the plant as well as the waste acceptance and rejection criteria. They may include waste sampling, inspection and analysis. Waste acceptance procedures are risk-based considering, for example, the hazardous properties of the waste, the risks posed by the waste in terms of process safety, occupational safety and environmental impact, as well as the information provided by the previous waste holder(s). The elements to be monitored for each type of waste are detailed in BAT 11. |
(d) |
Set-up and implementation of a waste tracking system and inventory |
A waste tracking system and inventory aims to track the location and quantity of waste in the plant. It holds all the information generated during waste pre-acceptance procedures (e.g. date of arrival at the plant and unique reference number of the waste, information on the previous waste holder(s), pre-acceptance and acceptance analysis results, nature and quantity of waste held on site including all identified hazards), acceptance, storage, treatment and/or transfer off site. The waste tracking system is risk-based considering, for example, the hazardous properties of the waste, the risks posed by the waste in terms of process safety, occupational safety and environmental impact, as well as the information provided by the previous waste holder(s). The waste tracking system includes clear labelling of wastes that are stored in places other than the waste bunker or sludge storage tank (e.g. in containers, drums, bales or other forms of packaging) such that they can be identified at all times. |
(e) |
Waste segregation |
Wastes are kept separated depending on their properties in order to enable easier and environmentally safer storage and incineration. Waste segregation relies on the physical separation of different wastes and on procedures that identify when and where wastes are stored. |
(f) |
Verification of waste compatibility prior to the mixing or blending of hazardous wastes |
Compatibility is ensured by a set of verification measures and tests in order to detect any unwanted and/or potentially dangerous chemical reactions between wastes (e.g. polymerisation, gas evolution, exothermal reaction, decomposition) upon mixing or blending. The compatibility tests are risk-based considering, for example, the hazardous properties of the waste, the risks posed by the waste in terms of process safety, occupational safety and environmental impact, as well as the information provided by the previous waste holder(s). |
Description
Waste type |
Waste delivery monitoring |
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Municipal solid waste and other non-hazardous waste |
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Sewage sludge |
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Hazardous waste other than clinical waste |
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Clinical waste |
|
|
Technique |
Description |
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(a) |
Impermeable surfaces with an adequate drainage infrastructure |
Depending on the risks posed by the waste in terms of soil or water contamination, the surface of the waste reception, handling and storage areas is made impermeable to the liquids concerned and fitted with an adequate drainage infrastructure (see BAT 32). The integrity of this surface is periodically verified, as far as technically possible. |
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(b) |
Adequate waste storage capacity |
Measures are taken to avoid accumulation of waste, such as:
|
|
Technique |
Description |
(a) |
Automated or semi-automated waste handling |
Clinical wastes are unloaded from the truck to the storage area using an automated or manual system depending on the risk posed by this operation. From the storage area the clinical wastes are fed into the furnace by an automated feeding system. |
(b) |
Incineration of non-reusable sealed containers, if used |
Clinical waste is delivered in sealed and robust combustible containers that are never opened throughout storage and handling operations. If needles and sharps are disposed of in them, the containers are puncture-proof as well. |
(c) |
Cleaning and disinfection of reusable containers, if used |
Reusable waste containers are cleaned in a designated cleaning area and disinfected in a facility specifically designed for disinfection. Any leftovers from the cleaning operations are incinerated. |
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
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(a) |
Waste blending and mixing |
Waste blending and mixing prior to incineration includes for example the following operations:
In some cases, solid wastes are shredded prior to mixing. |
Not applicable where direct furnace feeding is required due to safety considerations or waste characteristics (e.g. infectious clinical waste, odorous wastes, or wastes that are prone to releasing volatile substances). Not applicable where undesired reactions may occur between different types of waste (see BAT 9(f)). |
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(b) |
Advanced control system |
See Section 2.1 |
Generally applicable. |
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(c) |
Optimisation of the incineration process |
See Section 2.1 |
Optimisation of the design is not applicable to existing furnaces. |
Parameter |
Unit |
BAT-AEPL |
TOC content in slags and bottom ashes(16) |
Dry wt-% |
1–3(17) |
Loss on ignition of slags and bottom ashes(16) |
Dry wt-% |
1–5(17) |
1.4.
Energy efficiency
Description
Applicability
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
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(a) |
Drying of sewage sludge |
After mechanical dewatering, sewage sludge is further dried, using for example low-grade heat, before it is fed to the furnace. The extent to which sludge can be dried depends on the furnace feeding system. |
Applicable within the constraints associated with the availability of low-grade heat. |
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(b) |
Reduction of the flue-gas flow |
The flue-gas flow is reduced through, e.g.:
A smaller flue-gas flow reduces the energy demand of the plant (e.g. for induced draught fans). |
For existing plants, the applicability of flue-gas recirculation may be limited due to technical constraints (e.g. pollutant load in the flue-gas, incineration conditions). |
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(c) |
Minimisation of heat losses |
Heat losses are minimised through, e.g.:
|
Integral furnace-boilers are not applicable to rotary kilns or to other furnaces dedicated to the high-temperature incineration of hazardous waste. |
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(d) |
Optimisation of the boiler design |
The heat transfer in the boiler is improved by optimising, for example, the:
|
Applicable to new plants and to major retrofits of existing plants. |
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(e) |
Low-temperature flue-gas heat exchangers |
Special corrosion-resistant heat exchangers are used to recover additional energy from the flue-gas at the boiler exit, after an ESP, or after a dry sorbent injection system. |
Applicable within the constraints of the operating temperature profile of the FGC system. In the case of existing plants, the applicability may be limited by a lack of space. |
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(f) |
High steam conditions |
The higher the steam conditions (temperature and pressure), the higher the electricity conversion efficiency allowed by the steam cycle. Working at high steam conditions (e.g. above 45 bar, 400 °C) requires the use of special steel alloys or refractory cladding to protect the boiler sections that are exposed to the highest temperatures. |
Applicable to new plants and to major retrofits of existing plants, where the plant is mainly oriented towards the generation of electricity. The applicability may be limited by:
|
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(g) |
Cogeneration |
Cogeneration of heat and electricity where the heat (mainly from the steam that leaves the turbine) is used for producing hot water/steam to be used in industrial processes/activities or in a district heating/cooling network. |
Applicable within the constraints associated with the local heat and power demand and/or availability of networks. |
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(h) |
Flue-gas condenser |
A heat exchanger or a scrubber with a heat exchanger, where the water vapour contained in the flue-gas condenses, transferring the latent heat to water at a sufficiently low temperature (e.g. return flow of a district heating network). The flue-gas condenser also provides co-benefits by reducing emissions to air (e.g. of dust and acid gases). The use of heat pumps can increase the amount of energy recovered from flue-gas condensation. |
Applicable within the constraints associated with the demand for low-temperature heat, e.g. by the availability of a district heating network with a sufficiently low return temperature. |
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(i) |
Dry bottom ash handling |
Dry, hot bottom ash falls from the grate onto a transport system and is cooled down by ambient air. Energy is recovered by using the cooling air for combustion. |
Only applicable to grate furnaces. There may be technical restrictions that prevent retrofitting to existing furnaces. |
(%) |
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BAT-AEEL |
||||
Plant |
Municipal solid waste, other non-hazardous waste and hazardous wood waste |
Hazardous waste other than hazardous wood waste(18) |
Sewage sludge |
|
Gross electrical efficiency (19) (20) |
Gross energy efficiency(21) |
Boiler efficiency |
||
New plant |
25–35 |
72–91 (22) |
60–80 |
60–70 (23) |
Existing plant |
20–35 |
1.5.
Emissions to air
1.5.1.
Diffuse emissions
Description
Applicability
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
(a) |
Enclose and cover equipment |
Enclose/encapsulate potentially dusty operations (such as grinding, screening) and/or cover conveyors and elevators. Enclosure can also be accomplished by installing all of the equipment in a closed building. |
Installing the equipment in a closed building may not be applicable to mobile treatment devices. |
(b) |
Limit height of discharge |
Match the discharge height to the varying height of the heap, automatically if possible (e.g. conveyor belts with adjustable heights). |
Generally applicable. |
(c) |
Protect stockpiles against prevailing winds |
Protect bulk storage areas or stockpiles with covers or wind barriers such as screening, walling or vertical greenery, as well as correctly orienting the stockpiles in relation to the prevailing wind. |
Generally applicable. |
(d) |
Use water sprays |
Install water spray systems at the main sources of diffuse dust emissions. The humidification of dust particles aids dust agglomeration and settling. Diffuse dust emissions at stockpiles are reduced by ensuring appropriate humidification of the charging and discharging points, or of the stockpiles themselves. |
Generally applicable. |
(e) |
Optimise moisture content |
Optimise the moisture content of the slags/bottom ashes to the level required for efficient recovery of metals and mineral materials while minimising the dust release. |
Generally applicable. |
(f) |
Operate under subatmospheric pressure |
Carry out the treatment of slags and bottom ashes in enclosed equipment or buildings (see technique a) under subatmospheric pressure to enable treatment of the extracted air with an abatement technique (see BAT 26) as channelled emissions. |
Only applicable to dry-discharged and other low-moisture bottom ashes. |
1.5.2.
Channelled emissions
1.5.2.1.
Emissions of dust, metals and metalloids
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
(a) |
Bag filter |
See Section 2.2 |
Generally applicable to new plants. Applicable to existing plants within the constraints associated with the operating temperature profile of the FGC system. |
(b) |
Electrostatic precipitator |
See Section 2.2 |
Generally applicable. |
(c) |
Dry sorbent injection |
See Section 2.2. Not relevant for the reduction of dust emissions. Adsorption of metals by injection of activated carbon or other reagents in combination with a dry sorbent injection system or a semi-wet absorber that is used to reduce acid gas emissions. |
Generally applicable. |
(d) |
Wet scrubber |
See Section 2.2. Wet scrubbing systems are not used to remove the main dust load but, installed after other abatement techniques, to further reduce the concentrations of dust, metals and metalloids in the flue-gas. |
There may be applicability restrictions due to low water availability, e.g. in arid areas. |
(e) |
Fixed- or moving-bed adsorption |
See Section 2.2. The system is used mainly to adsorb mercury and other metals and metalloids as well as organic compounds including PCDD/F, but also acts as an effective polishing filter for dust. |
The applicability may be limited by the overall pressure drop associated with the FGC system configuration. In the case of existing plants, the applicability may be limited by a lack of space. |
(mg/Nm3) |
||
Parameter |
BAT-AEL |
Averaging period |
Dust |
< 2–5 (24) |
Daily average |
Cd+Tl |
0,005–0,02 |
Average over the sampling period |
Sb+As+Pb+Cr+Co+Cu+Mn+Ni+V |
0,01–0,3 |
Average over the sampling period |
(mg/Nm3) |
||
Parameter |
BAT-AEL |
Averaging period |
Dust |
2–5 |
Average over the sampling period |
1.5.2.2.
Emissions of HCl, HF and SO
2
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
(a) |
Wet scrubber |
See Section 2.2 |
There may be applicability restrictions due to low water availability, e.g. in arid areas. |
(b) |
Semi-wet absorber |
See Section 2.2 |
Generally applicable. |
(c) |
Dry sorbent injection |
See Section 2.2 |
Generally applicable. |
(d) |
Direct desulphurisation |
See Section 2.2. Used for partial abatement of acid gas emissions upstream of other techniques. |
Only applicable to fluidised bed furnaces. |
(e) |
Boiler sorbent injection |
See Section 2.2. Used for partial abatement of acid gas emissions upstream of other techniques. |
Generally applicable. |
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
(a) |
Optimised and automated reagent dosage |
The use of continuous HCl and/or SO2 measurements (and/or of other parameters that may prove useful for this purpose) upstream and/or downstream of the FGC system for the optimisation of the automated reagent dosage. |
Generally applicable. |
(b) |
Recirculation of reagents |
The recirculation of a proportion of the collected FGC solids to reduce the amount of unreacted reagent(s) in the residues. The technique is particularly relevant in the case of FGC techniques operating with a high stoichiometric excess. |
Generally applicable to new plants. Applicable to existing plants within the constraints of the size of the bag filter. |
(mg/Nm3) |
|||
Parameter |
BAT-AEL |
Averaging period |
|
New plant |
Existing plant |
||
HCl |
< 2–6 (25) |
< 2–8 (25) |
Daily average |
HF |
< 1 |
< 1 |
Daily average or average over the sampling period |
SO2 |
5–30 |
5–40 |
Daily average |
1.5.2.3.
Emissions of NO
X
, N
2
O, CO and NH
3
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
(a) |
Optimisation of the incineration process |
See Section 2.1 |
Generally applicable. |
(b) |
Flue-gas recirculation |
See Section 2.2 |
For existing plants, the applicability may be limited due to technical constraints (e.g. pollutant load in the flue-gas, incineration conditions). |
(c) |
Selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) |
See Section 2.2 |
Generally applicable. |
(d) |
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) |
See Section 2.2 |
In the case of existing plants, the applicability may be limited by a lack of space. |
(e) |
Catalytic filter bags |
See Section 2.2 |
Only applicable to plants fitted with a bag filter. |
(f) |
Optimisation of the SNCR/SCR design and operation |
Optimisation of the reagent to NOX ratio over the cross-section of the furnace or duct, of the size of the reagent drops and of the temperature window in which the reagent is injected. |
Only applicable where SNCR and/or SCR is used for the reduction of NOX emissions. |
(g) |
Wet scrubber |
See Section 2.2. Where a wet scrubber is used for acid gas abatement, and in particular with SNCR, unreacted ammonia is absorbed by the scrubbing liquor and, once stripped, can be recycled as SNCR or SCR reagent. |
There may be applicability restrictions due to low water availability, e.g. in arid areas. |
(mg/Nm3) |
|||
Parameter |
BAT-AEL |
Averaging period |
|
New plant |
Existing plant |
||
NOX |
50–120 (26) |
50–150 (26) (27) |
Daily average |
CO |
10–50 |
10–50 |
|
NH3 |
2–10 (26) |
2–10 (26) (28) |
1.5.2.4.
Emissions of organic compounds
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
(a) |
Optimisation of the incineration process |
See Section 2.1. Optimisation of incineration parameters to promote the oxidation of organic compounds including PCDD/F and PCBs present in the waste, and to prevent their and their precursors’ (re)formation. |
Generally applicable. |
(b) |
Control of the waste feed |
Knowledge and control of the combustion characteristics of the waste being fed into the furnace, to ensure optimal and, as far as possible, homogeneous and stable incineration conditions. |
Not applicable to clinical waste or to municipal solid waste. |
(c) |
On-line and off-line boiler cleaning |
Efficient cleaning of the boiler bundles to reduce the dust residence time and accumulation in the boiler, thus reducing PCDD/F formation in the boiler. A combination of on-line and off-line boiler cleaning techniques is used. |
Generally applicable. |
(d) |
Rapid flue-gas cooling |
Rapid cooling of the flue-gas from temperatures above 400 °C to below 250 °C before dust abatement to prevent the de novo synthesis of PCDD/F. This is achieved by appropriate design of the boiler and/or with the use of a quench system. The latter option limits the amount of energy that can be recovered from the flue-gas and is used in particular in the case of incinerating hazardous wastes with a high halogen content. |
Generally applicable. |
(e) |
Dry sorbent injection |
See Section 2.2. Adsorption by injection of activated carbon or other reagents, generally combined with a bag filter where a reaction layer is created in the filter cake and the solids generated are removed. |
Generally applicable. |
(f) |
Fixed- or moving-bed adsorption |
See Section 2.2. |
The applicability may be limited by the overall pressure drop associated with the FGC system. In the case of existing plants, the applicability may be limited by a lack of space. |
(g) |
SCR |
See Section 2.2. Where SCR is used for NOX abatement, the adequate catalyst surface of the SCR system also provides for the partial reduction of the emissions of PCDD/F and PCBs. The technique is generally used in combination with technique (e), (f) or (i). |
In the case of existing plants, the applicability may be limited by a lack of space. |
(h) |
Catalytic filter bags |
See Section 2.2 |
Only applicable to plants fitted with a bag filter. |
(i) |
Carbon sorbent in a wet scrubber |
PCDD/F and PCBs are adsorbed by carbon sorbent added to the wet scrubber, either in the scrubbing liquor or in the form of impregnated packing elements. The technique is used for the removal of PCDD/F in general, and also to prevent and/or reduce the re-emission of PCDD/F accumulated in the scrubber (the so-called memory effect) occurring especially during shutdown and start-up periods. |
Only applicable to plants fitted with a wet scrubber. |
Parameter |
Unit |
BAT-AEL |
Averaging period |
|
New plant |
Existing plant |
|||
TVOC |
mg/Nm3 |
< 3–10 |
< 3–10 |
Daily average |
PCDD/F (29) |
ng I-TEQ/Nm3 |
< 0,01–0,04 |
< 0,01–0,06 |
Average over the sampling period |
< 0,01–0,06 |
< 0,01–0,08 |
Long-term sampling period (30) |
||
PCDD/F + dioxin-like PCBs (29) |
ng WHO-TEQ/Nm3 |
< 0,01–0,06 |
< 0,01–0,08 |
Average over the sampling period |
< 0,01–0,08 |
< 0,01–0,1 |
Long-term sampling period (30) |
1.5.2.5.
Emissions of mercury
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
||||||
(a) |
Wet scrubber (low pH) |
See Section 2.2. A wet scrubber operated at a pH value around 1. The mercury removal rate of the technique can be enhanced by adding reagents and/or adsorbents to the scrubbing liquor, e.g.:
When designed for a sufficiently high buffer capacity for mercury capture, the technique effectively prevents the occurrence of mercury emission peaks. |
There may be applicability restrictions due to low water availability, e.g. in arid areas. |
||||||
(b) |
Dry sorbent injection |
See Section 2.2. Adsorption by injection of activated carbon or other reagents, generally combined with a bag filter where a reaction layer is created in the filter cake and the solids generated are removed. |
Generally applicable. |
||||||
(c) |
Injection of special, highly reactive activated carbon |
Injection of highly reactive activated carbon doped with sulphur or other reagents to enhance the reactivity with mercury. Usually, the injection of this special activated carbon is not continuous but only takes place when a mercury peak is detected. For this purpose, the technique can be used in combination with the continuous monitoring of mercury in the raw flue-gas. |
May not be applicable to plants dedicated to the incineration of sewage sludge. |
||||||
(d) |
Boiler bromine addition |
Bromide added to the waste or injected into the furnace is converted at high temperatures to elemental bromine, which oxidises elemental mercury to the water-soluble and highly adsorbable HgBr2. The technique is used in combination with a downstream abatement technique such as a wet scrubber or an activated carbon injection system. Usually, the injection of bromide is not continuous but only takes place when a mercury peak is detected. For this purpose, the technique can be used in combination with the continuous monitoring of mercury in the raw flue-gas. |
Generally applicable. |
||||||
(e) |
Fixed- or moving-bed adsorption |
See Section 2.2. When designed for a sufficiently high adsorption capacity, the technique effectively prevents the occurrence of mercury emission peaks. |
The applicability may be limited by the overall pressure drop associated with the FGC system. In the case of existing plants, the applicability may be limited by a lack of space. |
(µg/Nm3) |
|||
Parameter |
BAT-AEL(31) |
Averaging period |
|
New plant |
Existing plant |
||
Hg |
< 5–20 (32) |
< 5–20 (32) |
Daily average or average over the sampling period |
1–10 |
1–10 |
Long-term sampling period |
1.6.
Emissions to water
Description
Applicability
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
(a) |
Waste-water-free FGC techniques |
Use of FGC techniques that do not generate waste water (e.g. dry sorbent injection or semi-wet absorber, see Section 2.2). |
May not be applicable to the incineration of hazardous waste with a high halogen content. |
(b) |
Injection of waste water from FGC |
Waste water from FGC is injected into the hotter parts of the FGC system. |
Only applicable to the incineration of municipal solid waste. |
(c) |
Water reuse/recycling |
Residual aqueous streams are reused or recycled. The degree of reuse/recycling is limited by the quality requirements of the process to which the water is directed. |
Generally applicable. |
(d) |
Dry bottom ash handling |
Dry, hot bottom ash falls from the grate onto a transport system and is cooled down by ambient air. No water is used in the process. |
Only applicable to grate furnaces. There may be technical restrictions that prevent retrofitting to existing incineration plants. |
|
Technique |
Typical pollutants targeted |
Primary techniques |
||
(a) |
Optimisation of the incineration process (see BAT 14) and/or of the FGC system (e.g. SNCR/SCR, see BAT 29(f)) |
Organic compounds including PCDD/F, ammonia/ammonium |
Secondary techniques(33) |
||
Preliminary and primary treatment |
||
(b) |
Equalisation |
All pollutants |
(c) |
Neutralisation |
Acids, alkalis |
(d) |
Physical separation, e.g. screens, sieves, grit separators, primary settlement tanks |
Gross solids, suspended solids |
Physico-chemical treatment |
||
(e) |
Adsorption on activated carbon |
Organic compounds including PCDD/F, mercury |
(f) |
Precipitation |
Dissolved metals/metalloids, sulphate |
(g) |
Oxidation |
Sulphide, sulphite, organic compounds |
(h) |
Ion exchange |
Dissolved metals/metalloids |
(i) |
Stripping |
Purgeable pollutants (e.g. ammonia/ammonium) |
(j) |
Reverse osmosis |
Ammonia/ammonium, metals/metalloids, sulphate, chloride, organic compounds |
Final solids removal |
||
(k) |
Coagulation and flocculation |
Suspended solids, particulate-bound metals/metalloids |
(l) |
Sedimentation |
|
(m) |
Filtration |
|
(n) |
Flotation |
Parameter |
Process |
Unit |
BAT-AEL(34) |
|
Total suspended solids (TSS) |
FGC Bottom ash treatment |
mg/l |
10–30 |
|
Total organic carbon (TOC) |
FGC Bottom ash treatment |
15–40 |
||
Metals and metalloids |
As |
FGC |
0,01–0,05 |
|
Cd |
FGC |
0,005–0,03 |
||
Cr |
FGC |
0,01–0,1 |
||
Cu |
FGC |
0,03–0,15 |
||
Hg |
FGC |
0,001–0,01 |
||
Ni |
FGC |
0,03–0,15 |
||
Pb |
FGC Bottom ash treatment |
0,02–0,06 |
||
Sb |
FGC |
0,02–0,9 |
||
Tl |
FGC |
0,005–0,03 |
||
Zn |
FGC |
0,01–0,5 |
||
Ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) |
Bottom ash treatment |
10–30 |
||
Sulphate (SO4 2-) |
Bottom ash treatment |
400–1 000 |
||
PCDD/F |
FGC |
ng I-TEQ/l |
0,01–0,05 |
Parameter |
Process |
Unit |
BAT-AEL (35) (36) |
|
Metals and metalloids |
As |
FGC |
mg/l |
0,01–0,05 |
Cd |
FGC |
0,005–0,03 |
||
Cr |
FGC |
0,01–0,1 |
||
Cu |
FGC |
0,03–0,15 |
||
Hg |
FGC |
0,001–0,01 |
||
Ni |
FGC |
0,03–0,15 |
||
Pb |
FGC Bottom ash treatment |
0,02–0,06 |
||
Sb |
FGC |
0,02–0,9 |
||
Tl |
FGC |
0,005–0,03 |
||
Zn |
FGC |
0,01–0,5 |
||
PCDD/F |
FGC |
ng I-TEQ/l |
0,01–0,05 |
1.7.
Material efficiency
|
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
||||||
(a) |
Screening and sieving |
Oscillating screens, vibrating screens and rotary screens are used for an initial classification of the bottom ashes by size before further treatment. |
Generally applicable. |
||||||
(b) |
Crushing |
Mechanical treatment operations intended to prepare materials for the recovery of metals or for the subsequent use of those materials, e.g. in road and earthworks construction. |
Generally applicable. |
||||||
(c) |
Aeraulic separation |
Aeraulic separation is used to sort the light, unburnt fractions commingled in the bottom ashes by blowing off light fragments. A vibrating table is used to transport the bottom ashes to a chute, where the material falls through an air stream that blows uncombusted light materials, such as wood, paper or plastic, onto a removal belt or into a container, so that they can be returned to incineration. |
Generally applicable. |
||||||
(d) |
Recovery of ferrous and non-ferrous metals |
Different techniques are used, including:
|
Generally applicable. |
||||||
(e) |
Ageing |
The ageing process stabilises the mineral fraction of the bottom ashes by uptake of atmospheric CO2 (carbonation), draining of excess water and oxidation. Bottom ashes, after the recovery of metals, are stored in the open air or in covered buildings for several weeks, generally on an impermeable floor allowing for drainage and run-off water to be collected for treatment. The stockpiles may be wetted to optimise the moisture content to favour the leaching of salts and the carbonation process. The wetting of bottom ashes also helps prevent dust emissions. |
Generally applicable. |
||||||
(f) |
Washing |
The washing of bottom ashes enables the production of a material for recycling with minimal leachability of soluble substances (e.g. salts). |
Generally applicable. |
1.8.
Noise
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|||||||||||
(a) |
Appropriate location of equipment and buildings |
Noise levels can be reduced by increasing the distance between the emitter and the receiver and by using buildings as noise screens. |
In the case of existing plants, the relocation of equipment may be restricted by a lack of space or by excessive costs. |
||||||||||
(b) |
Operational measures |
These include:
|
Generally applicable. |
||||||||||
(c) |
Low-noise equipment |
This includes low-noise compressors, pumps and fans. |
Generally applicable when existing equipment is replaced or new equipment is installed. |
||||||||||
(d) |
Noise attenuation |
Noise propagation can be reduced by inserting obstacles between the emitter and the receiver. Appropriate obstacles include protection walls, embankments and buildings. |
In the case of existing plants, the insertion of obstacles may be restricted by a lack of space. |
||||||||||
(e) |
Noise-control equipment/ infrastructure |
This includes:
|
In the case of existing plants, the applicability may be limited by a lack of space. |
2. DESCRIPTIONS OF TECHNIQUES
2.1.
General techniques
Technique |
Description |
Advanced control system |
The use of a computer-based automatic system to control the combustion efficiency and support the prevention and/or reduction of emissions. This also includes the use of high-performance monitoring of operating parameters and of emissions. |
Optimisation of the incineration process |
Optimisation of the waste feed rate and composition, of the temperature, and of the flow rates and points of injection of the primary and secondary combustion air to effectively oxidise the organic compounds while reducing the generation of NOX. Optimisation of the design and operation of the furnace (e.g. flue-gas temperature and turbulence, flue-gas and waste residence time, oxygen level, waste agitation). |
2.2.
Techniques to reduce emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
Bag filter |
Bag or fabric filters are constructed from porous woven or felted fabric through which gases are passed to remove particles. The use of a bag filter requires the selection of a fabric suitable for the characteristics of the flue-gas and the maximum operating temperature. |
Boiler sorbent injection |
The injection of magnesium- or calcium-based absorbents at a high temperature in the boiler post-combustion area, to achieve partial abatement of acid gases. The technique is highly effective for the removal of SOX and HF, and provides additional benefits in terms of flattening emission peaks. |
Catalytic filter bags |
Filter bags are either impregnated with a catalyst or the catalyst is directly mixed with organic material in the production of the fibres used for the filter medium. Such filters can be used to reduce PCDD/F emissions as well as, in combination with a source of NH3, to reduce NOX emissions. |
Direct desulphurisation |
The addition of magnesium- or calcium-based absorbents to the bed of a fluidised bed furnace. |
Dry sorbent injection |
The injection and dispersion of sorbent in the form of a dry powder in the flue-gas stream. Alkaline sorbents (e.g. sodium bicarbonate, hydrated lime) are injected to react with acid gases (HCl, HF and SOX). Activated carbon is injected or co-injected to adsorb in particular PCDD/F and mercury. The resulting solids are removed, most often with a bag filter. The excess reactive agents may be recirculated to decrease their consumption, possibly after reactivation by maturation or steam injection (see BAT 28(b)). |
Electrostatic precipitator |
Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) operate such that particles are charged and separated under the influence of an electrical field. Electrostatic precipitators are capable of operating under a wide range of conditions. The abatement efficiency may depend on the number of fields, residence time (size), and upstream particle removal devices. They generally include between two and five fields. Electrostatic precipitators can be of the dry or of the wet type depending on the technique used to collect the dust from the electrodes. Wet ESPs are typically used at the polishing stage to remove residual dust and droplets after wet scrubbing. |
Fixed- or moving-bed adsorption |
The flue-gas is passed through a fixed- or a moving-bed filter where an adsorbent (e.g. activated coke, activated lignite or a carbon-impregnated polymer) is used to adsorb pollutants. |
Flue-gas recirculation |
Recirculation of a part of the flue-gas to the furnace to replace a part of the fresh combustion air, with the dual effect of cooling the temperature and limiting the O2 content for nitrogen oxidation, thus limiting the NOX generation. It implies the supply of flue-gas from the furnace into the flame to reduce the oxygen content and therefore the temperature of the flame. This technique also reduces the flue-gas energy losses. Energy savings are also achieved when the recirculated flue-gas is extracted before FGC, by reducing the gas flow though the FGC system and the size of the required FGC system. |
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) |
Selective reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia or urea in the presence of a catalyst. The technique is based on the reduction of NOX to nitrogen in a catalytic bed by reaction with ammonia at an optimum operating temperature that is typically around 200–450 °C for the high-dust type and 170–250 °C for the tail-end type. In general, ammonia is injected as an aqueous solution; the ammonia source can also be anhydrous ammonia or a urea solution. Several layers of catalyst may be applied. A higher NOX reduction is achieved with the use of a larger catalyst surface, installed as one or more layers. ‘In-duct’ or ‘slip’ SCR combines SNCR with downstream SCR which reduces the ammonia slip from SNCR. |
Selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) |
Selective reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen with ammonia or urea at high temperatures and without catalyst. The operating temperature window is maintained between 800 °C and 1 000 °C for optimal reaction. The performance of the SNCR system can be increased by controlling the injection of the reagent from multiple lances with the support of a (fast-reacting) acoustic or infrared temperature measurement system so as to ensure that the reagent is injected in the optimum temperature zone at all times. |
Semi-wet absorber |
Also called semi-dry absorber. An alkaline aqueous solution or suspension (e.g. milk of lime) is added to the flue-gas stream to capture the acid gases. The water evaporates and the reaction products are dry. The resulting solids may be recirculated to reduce reagent consumption (see BAT 28(b)). This technique includes a range of different designs, including flash-dry processes which consist of injecting water (providing for fast gas cooling) and reagent at the filter inlet. |
Wet scrubber |
Use of a liquid, typically water or an aqueous solution/suspension, to capture pollutants from the flue-gas by absorption, in particular acid gases, as well as other soluble compounds and solids. To adsorb mercury and/or PCDD/F, carbon sorbent (as a slurry or as carbon-impregnated plastic packing) can be added to the wet scrubber. Different types of scrubber designs are used, e.g. jet scrubbers, rotation scrubbers, Venturi scrubbers, spray scrubbers and packed tower scrubbers. |
2.3.
Techniques to reduce emissions to water
Technique |
Description |
Adsorption on activated carbon |
The removal of soluble substances (solutes) from the waste water by transferring them to the surface of solid, highly porous particles (the adsorbent). Activated carbon is typically used for the adsorption of organic compounds and mercury. |
Precipitation |
The conversion of dissolved pollutants into insoluble compounds by adding precipitants. The solid precipitates formed are subsequently separated by sedimentation, flotation or filtration. Typical chemicals used for metal precipitation are lime, dolomite, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium sulphide and organosulphides. Calcium salts (other than lime) are used to precipitate sulphate or fluoride. |
Coagulation and flocculation |
Coagulation and flocculation are used to separate suspended solids from waste water and are often carried out in successive steps. Coagulation is carried out by adding coagulants (e.g. ferric chloride) with charges opposite to those of the suspended solids. Flocculation is carried out by adding polymers, so that collisions of microfloc particles cause them to bond thereby producing larger flocs. The flocs formed are subsequently separated by sedimentation, air flotation or filtration. |
Equalisation |
Balancing of flows and pollutant loads by using tanks or other management techniques. |
Filtration |
The separation of solids from waste water by passing it through a porous medium. It includes different types of techniques, e.g. sand filtration, microfiltration and ultrafiltration. |
Flotation |
The separation of solid or liquid particles from waste water by attaching them to fine gas bubbles, usually air. The buoyant particles accumulate at the water surface and are collected with skimmers. |
Ion exchange |
The retention of ionic pollutants from waste water and their replacement by more acceptable ions using an ion exchange resin. The pollutants are temporarily retained and afterwards released into a regeneration or backwashing liquid. |
Neutralisation |
The adjustment of the pH of the waste water to a neutral value (approximately 7) by the addition of chemicals. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is generally used to increase the pH whereas sulphuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl) or carbon dioxide (CO2) is used to decrease the pH. The precipitation of some substances may occur during neutralisation. |
Oxidation |
The conversion of pollutants by chemical oxidising agents to similar compounds that are less hazardous and/or easier to abate. In the case of waste water from the use of wet scrubbers, air may be used to oxidise sulphite (SO3 2-) to sulphate (SO4 2-). |
Reverse osmosis |
A membrane process in which a pressure difference applied between the compartments separated by the membrane causes water to flow from the more concentrated solution to the less concentrated one. |
Sedimentation |
The separation of suspended solids by gravitational settling. |
Stripping |
The removal of purgeable pollutants (e.g. ammonia) from waste water by contact with a high flow of a gas current in order to transfer them to the gas phase. The pollutants are subsequently recovered (e.g. by condensation) for further use or disposal. The removal efficiency may be enhanced by increasing the temperature or reducing the pressure. |
2.4.
Management techniques
Technique |
Description |
||||||||||||||||
Odour management plan |
The odour management plan is part of the EMS (see BAT 1) and includes:
|
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Noise management plan |
The noise management plan is part of the EMS (see BAT 1) and includes:
|
||||||||||||||||
Accident management plan |
An accident management plan is part of the EMS (see BAT 1) and identifies hazards posed by the installation and the associated risks and defines measures to address these risks. It considers the inventory of pollutants present or likely to be present which could have environmental consequences if they escape. It can be drawn up using for example FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and/or FMECA (Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis). The accident management plan includes the setting up and implementation of a fire prevention, detection and control plan, which is risk-based and includes the use of automatic fire detection and warning systems, and of manual and/or automatic fire intervention and control systems. The fire prevention, detection and control plan is relevant in particular for:
The accident management plan also includes, in particular in the case of installations where hazardous wastes are received, personnel training programmes regarding:
|