A multlfaceted experimental and theoretical program directed toward the understanding of rotary kiln performance Is underway. University, Industry and government participation Is Involved. This paper, the first In a series, presents a general discussion of the overall programmatic goals, followed by a brief description of the sub-programs Including: in-situ measurements from an industrial-scale rotary kiln located at the Louisiana Division of Dow Chemical USA in Plaquemine, Louisiana; laboratory-scale desorption characterization and klln-slmulator studies; and incinerator modeling efforts. Water-cooled probes have been used to obtain gas samples from the kiln and the afterburner of an Industrial-scale facility. The samples were analyzed using GC and GC/MS techniques. We include In this communication a report on these preliminary measurements.The United States now generates more than 265 million metric tons of hazardous waste per year. Of this amount, approximately 63 million metric tons are treatable by thermal destruction. 1 Because incineration can, in most cases, literally destroy the organic waste constituents and provide a substantial reduction in waste volume where total destruction is not realized, and because it provides a means for energy and material recovery, it has emerged as a preferred method of treatment.Oppelt has reviewed the state-ofthe-art of incineration techniques. 1 Although most existing hazardous waste incinerators have generally been found to comply with recently imposed federal guidelines, and have for several decades operated with proven performance, there is considerable public skepticism about whether incineration is truly an environmentally benign waste-treatment strategy. An improved understanding of incinerator performance is a necessary prerequisite for more informed public comment on future site location. A better understanding of the chemical and physical phenomena that underlie the operation of existing and currently planned units is also needed for the development of a new generation of incinerators. We have, therefore, initiated a multifaceted experimental and theoretical program directed toward the development of a rudimentary understanding of and predictive capability for rotary kiln and afterburner incinerator performance, as influenced by basic design and operational parameters. Presently, these are related largely through empirical guidelines developed from operational experience. The program we have initiated involves university, industry, and government participation.A series of papers discussing individual components and aspects of this overall kiln study will be presented. This communication is the first of that series. In this paper, we present background information followed by a brief description of the overall program goals and objectives along with our general approach to the problem, including a description of defined subprogram objectives. We conclude this paper with a presentation of preliminary results obtained from one unique sub-program of the experimenta...

Electronic-cigarette (e-cig) devices use heat to produce an inhalable aerosol from a liquid (e-liquid) composed mainly of humectants, nicotine, and flavoring chemicals. The aerosol produced includes fine and ultrafine particles, and potentially nicotine and aldehydes, which can be harmful to human health. E-cig users inhale these aerosols and, with the third-generation of e-cig devices, control design features (resistance and voltage) in addition to the choice of e-liquids, and the puffing profile. These are key factors that can significantly impact the toxicity of the inhaled aerosols. E-cig research, however, is challenging and complex mostly due to the absence of standardized assessments and to the numerous varieties of e-cig models and brands, as well as e-liquid flavors and solvents that are available on the market. These considerations highlight the urgent need to harmonize e-cig research protocols, starting with e-cig aerosol generation and characterization techniques. The current study focuses on this challenge by describing a detailed step-by-step e-cig aerosol generation technique with specific experimental parameters that are thought to be realistic and representative of real-life exposure scenarios. The methodology is divided into four sections: preparation, exposure, post-exposure analysis, plus cleaning and maintenance of the device. Representative results from using two types of e-liquid and various voltages are presented in terms of mass concentration, particle size distribution, chemical composition and cotinine levels in mice. These data demonstrate the versatility of the e-cig exposure system used, aside from its value for toxicological studies, as it allows for a broad range of computer-controlled exposure scenarios, including automated representative vaping topography profiles.

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The construction and application of a flat flame facility specifically used in hazardous waste combustion studies are reported. The corrosive nature of the products formed during combustion of organic hazardous wastes requires special consideration in not only the design and selection of materials, but also in maintenance procedures. Sustained operational reliability, accurate measurement capabilities, and minimal human hazards were targeted as principal design considerations. Details are provided regarding the configuration of the laboratory scale burner chamber, the reactant feed systems, and the exhaust handling equipment, along with the probe arrangements used to collect experimental species and temperature data. A unique pumpless feed system capable of both metering and vaporizing liquid hazardous feed stocks is detailed. Special experimental constraints and the procedures followed to overcome these complexities are described. Test data for a dichloromethane/methane/air flame are provided.