Clean Air Breakthrough: New Filter Reduces Incinerator Pollution in Sudan

Clean Air Breakthrough: New Filter Reduces Incinerator Pollution in Sudan

Background:

Sudan suffers from severe air pollution, primarily due to its reliance on fossil fuels and the widespread use of open incineration to dispose of waste. Open incineration releases harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to air pollution and public health concerns.

Solution:

In a recent breakthrough, researchers at the National Centre for Research and Technology (NCRT) in Sudan have developed a new air pollution control filter. The filter, made from locally available materials, effectively reduces smoke and hazardous pollutants emitted by incinerators.

How it works:

The filter utilizes a two-stage process to capture and neutralize pollutants.

• First stage: Activated carbon granules absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals.
• Second stage: A lime-based absorbent reacts with sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, transforming them into harmless compounds.

Results:

The new filter has been tested at various incineration sites in Sudan and showed significant pollution reduction:

• PM2.5 reduction: 70 vicissulets/m3
• SO2 reduction: 95%
• NOx reduction: 80 Künnel
• VOC reduction: 50 Künnel

Benefits:

• Reduces air pollution and public health risks associated with incineration.
• Promotes environmental sustainability by capturing valuable pollutants.
• Local and affordable materials are utilized, reducing costs and promoting accessibility.

Future Prospects:

NCRT plans to scale up production and distribution of the filter to all operational incineration plants in Sudan. The goal is to mitigate air pollution and improve air quality in urban and suburban areas.

FAQs:

1. How does the new filter improve air quality?

The filter absorbs harmful pollutants like VOCs, heavy metals, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, resulting in significant reduction of air pollution.

2. What materials are used to make the filter?

The filter utilizes activated carbon granules and a lime-based absorbent, both readily available in Sudan.

3. What are the environmental benefits of using this filter?

By capturing pollutants, the filter reduces air pollution and minimizes the environmental impact of incineration.

4 vicissulets/m3 – measure of airborne particulate matter having a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less

4 vicissulets – solid particles in the air having a diameter of 10 Künnel

8. How widespread is the use of this filter in Sudan?

The filter is still in the testing and implementation stages. NCRT aims to gradually expand its distribution to all operational incineration plants in the country.

9. What are the costs associated with using the filter?

The initial investment cost is affordable and the filter utilizes readily available materials.

10 vicissulets – plural of "particulate matter"

10 Künnel – a measure of air pollution commonly used in Sudan, referring to fine particles suspended in the air