Key Issues in the Formation of Polychlorinated Unsaturated Hydrocarbons in Combustion Systems

Mechanisms for the formation of polychorinated organics during incineration are considered on the basis of fundamental single step reactions. A hypothesis for their formation as a result of the formation of chlorine during lean combustion followed by chlorination of available organics is presented. The results are tested on the basis of simulations and more detailed requirements for the production of chlorinated organics are deduced. These include the competitions between carbon monoxide and unsaturated hydrocarbon production in rich mixtures, chlorination of the hydrogen and hydrocarbon by-products and oxidation and chlorination at a variety of temperatures.