Plasma vitrification and heavy metals solidification of MSW and sewage sludge incineration fly ash

Thermal plasma treatment has been considered as one of promising methods for fly ash disposal. In this study, firstly, the characteristics of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash and sewage sludge incineration (SSI) fly ash were analyzed, followed by the raw material formulations of low melting temperature determined by thermodynamic equilibrium calculation. Then verified experiments were carried out by thermal plasma system, focused on the formation condition of vitrified slags with various CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 ratios and the influence factors of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cu) transference. According to the results: During the co treatment process of fly ashes, a lower temperature of vitrified slag formation as low as 1230 celcius was observed. Vitrification is determined by the molten phase content during melting process, the correlation coefficient between the glass phase content of slag and the molten phase content was 0.81 (P < 0.01). CaO content of raw materials was a major element for the volatilization of Cd and Pb. High Al2O3 content can remain more Cr, Cu and Ni in slags, but it is not conducive to the solidification of Zn. The synthetic toxicity index of heavy metals would greatly reduce from 23153.15 to 663.29-820.63 after thermal plasma treatment.

Automated summary

Thermal plasma treatment is a promising method for fly ash disposal. Experimental results show that the formation temperature of vitrified slag can be reduced during co-treatment, and the CaO content in raw materials is related to the volatilization of Cd and Pb. A high Al2O3 content is beneficial for retaining Cr, Cu, and Ni in slags.