Experience in operation of a pilot plant melting residual substances

Abstract

A pilot plant to melt residual substances was operated over a period of more than four months. To examine any extreme situations, residues from incineration plants were used. The results obtained from these trials are very positive and encouraging for use in industrial applications. It has been achieved that the glass represents a satisfactory and long-term stable sink for major heavy metals, and another sink has been provided for other heavy metals through arrestment in a filter systems. Furthermore, any organic contaminants contained in the substances have been successfully destroyed. Contrary to conventional sheet glass melts, good performance and specific values have been confirmed. Using a special treatment technique, a major drawback involved with industrial residues, i.e., heterogeneity of basic material, has been reduced such that the future production of glass products with defined properties is considered to be possible. Preference is given to large-scale recovery in complex residues melting systems from a technological, economic and environmental point of view.