Fate of metals in the combustion of industrial waste oils

This study aims to establish criteria under which to use industrial waste oils as alternative fuels for combustion under conditions of maximum environmental safety. Waste oils as well as the particulate matter emitted from their combustion were analysed and characterized. The size, morphology and composition of metals in the particulate matter contained in the oils as well as chlorine content were analysed by electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. Heavy metals were determined in the oil by ETAAS. All the oil samples characterized were burnt in an experimental combustor where the conditions of combustion were modified. The emitted particulate matter was chemically digested and Cr, V, Cd, Cu, Pb and Fe were determined in each final solution by ETAAS. The results obtained, the accumulation factors for metals and the relationship between combustion conditions and emission of particulate matter and metals, are discussed.