When it comes to the elimination of household waste and sewage sludge, incineration remains one of the most widespread solutions, as it meets the demands for volume reduction and sanitary disposal while still being economically competitive. But this method is highly regulated, mainly because of the release of fumes into the atmosphere. Heavy metals and toxic products are especially in question. But they may also be controlled by the implementation of an adapted fume treatment process that integrates activated carbons.

Heavy metals and toxic products may be eliminated from incineration fumes with activated carbons, which act through adsorption to reduce the concentration of waste products. Two methods are possible:

• Injection of powder-form activated carbons into the smokestack:

Carbon in its raw stage is mixed with steam in the ductwork. This method is particularly well-suited to large volumes of fumes.

• Utilization of a filter containing activated carbons in granular form:

This procedure is reserved for small volumes because of the pressure drop that it induces. In general it mitigates hydrogen sulfide, arsenic, nitrogen oxide, and nitrogen dioxide.