In this research, an electron beam process will be investigated which has the potential to destroy toxic molecules such as dioxim, furans, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons produced, for example, by the incineration of municipal solid waste.Some isomers of these compounds are highly toxic; therefore, the work will be accomplished using non-toxic model compounds exhibiting chemical functional groups similar to the compounds they simulate. Since 3OOkV, 3OOmA electron beam accelerators manufactured by Energy Sciences already have been used in a 20,00ONm3/hr pilot facility to remove both S02 and NOx, the objective of this research is to determine if radicals produced by energetic electron interaction with a background gas (02, HzO) will either: 1) disrupt the weakest bonds of the model compound; or 2) abstract atoms from the model compounds to form stable, smaller, non-toxic molecules, or 3) form non toxic compounds through electron beam induced reaction with chemical additives. The formation of non-toxic molecules by this process would indicate toxic compounds could be removed from combustion flue gases (without subsequently depositing them in the solid effluent removed by electrostatic precipitators fabric filters). Therefore, positive results of this Proposed research would provide the impetus to optimize the electron beam process resulting in a significant environmental control technology capable of removing not only toxic organic compounds but S02, NOx, HCl and HF as well. This method could be used as a pollution control system for new or retrofit incinerator facilities requiring the removal of S02, NOx, HC1, HF, dioxins, furans, PAH and other products of incomplete combustion.
