Theoretical Estimation of Incinerability of Halons and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Theoretical calculations are given for design of thermal destruction conditions for multi-halogenated organic compounds. Arrhenius parameters and equations were used to calculate relative incinerability of three bromofluorocarbons (halon 1301, halon 1211, and halon 2402) and two hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC-22 and HCFC-123) that are not in the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Thermal Stability-Based Ranking of Hazardous Waste Incinerability. Halons and HCFCs evaluated in this report have Incinerability Indices that rank below Class I. Thus, they may be disposed of in incinerators that have proven destruction and removal efficiency > 99.99% for at least one Class I principal organic hazardous constituent. A discussion of thermal destruction mechanisms of these compounds is given. Thermal destruction may result in products of incomplete combustion that exhibit ozone-depleting or global-warming potential. Additional theoretical and possibly experimental evaluations will be required to address these issues.