The pyrolysis characteristics of two different kinds of refuse-derived fuels(RDF) were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis-Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(TG-FTIR).It was found that the pyrolysis characteristics of two RDFs were similar.The pyrolysis process could be divided into three main stages

corresponding to the decomposition of biomass components(220—430℃)

plastic substances(430—520℃) and carbonates(>650℃).The Coats-Redfern method was used to analyze the apparent kinetic parameters of the first two stages

and the results showed that the activation energy was higher for the middle-temperature stage than for the low-temperature stage.By FTIR analysis

it was found that the major volatile gases released from the two RDFs were similar

mainly including H2O

CO2

CO

CH4 and other hydrocarbons.The release of gaseous pollutants was paid special attention.The emission of HCl is completed at the low temperature stage(230—400℃).In contrast

the release of NH3 begins at 260℃ and goes through a much wider temperature range

and there is still a small amount of NH3 release at much higher temperature.In pyrolysis condition investigated

it was surprised to detect large amount of SO2

mainly released in the temperature range of 300—600℃.