고발열 의료폐기물 적용을 위한 소각로에서의 연소 안정화 및 NOx 저감 실증 연구

Experimental Study on Combustion Stabilization and NOx Reduction in Incinerators for High-Calorific Medical Waste Application

The continuous increase in high-calorific medical waste, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has created significant challenges for incineration facilities in managing unstable combustion and heightened NOx emissions. This study investigates the effectiveness of combustion stabilization and NOx reduction techniques, specifically through air staging (multi-stage combustion) and flue gas recirculation (FGR), in incinerators designed for industrial waste disposal. By analyzing the composition and characteristics of high-calorific medical waste materials, the study aimed to stabilize combustion in the experimental incinerator when processing high-calorific waste, thereby preventing overheating and clinker formation and contributing to the reduction of pollutant emissions.The experimental results demonstrated that adjusting the primary combustion air ratio reduced thermal NOx formation, achieving NOx concentrations below 30 ppm on average. Optimization of FGR flow further decreased NOx levels to under 25 ppm, contributing to a more stable incineration process with less fluctuation in emissions. The selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system was also enhanced, achieving a 35.7% reduction in urea consumption while maintaining effective NOx mitigation. This research provides empirical data supporting the operational efficiency and scalability of NOx reduction technologies in incineration facilities handling high-calorific medical waste. These findings suggest that combustion stabilization achieved through air staging and FGR can reduce NOx emissions and prevent localized overheating, protecting refractory materials and extending the durability of grates. Furthermore, this approach could contribute to the development of automated NOx control systems for incinerators, facilitating environmentally compliant operations with reduced air pollutants. The study underscores the potential for advancing domestic incineration technology through self-sustaining systems that ensure both efficient waste management and pollutant 40 reduction.