Equilibrium distribution of toxic elements in the burning of impregnated wood

IRG/WP 01-50172

K Sandelin, R Backman

The current work focuses on predicting the behavior of arsenic, chromium, and copper in the burning of impregnated wood. A theoretical method is used to study the chemistry of the system, with special interest directed towards the vaporization tendency of the potentially toxic elements. The core of the study is the global equilibrium analysis that simultaneously takes into consideration all chemical reactions. The results of the present study indicate that chromium and copper are unlikely to volatilize at combustion temperatures. Arsenic appears to be more volatile. Nevertheless, the prediction showed that it may be captured by calcium of the wood ash, and small amounts are likely to dissolve in the slag-phase of the ash. It may also form non-volatile compounds with magnesium, copper, and chromium and other elements of the impregnated wood, which efficiently hinders its emissions as gaseous species.


Keywords: CHROMATED; COPPER; ARSENATE; HEAVY; METAL; CCA; IMPREGNATED; WOOD; COMBUSTION; EQUILIBRIUM; EMISSIONS

Conference: 01-05-20/25 Nara, Japan


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