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Thermal destruction of cyanide fumes

March 2, 2012

Q. At what temperature can I thermally destroy Cyanide fumes or gases from material in an induction furnace process?

Francis James
I am health safety and environmental manager - Biddeford, Maine, USA

April 18, 2012

A. Hi Francis
Fire fighters are frequently concerned by cyanide fumes created in a fire situation, often from pyrolysis of polyurethanes in furniture.
It seems unlikely therefore that high temperature will effectively destroy HCN.
Your first step should be to find the source of the cyanide and ensure that it does not enter the furnace.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England

A. I am reasonably sure that some cyanide was destroyed by waste treatment companies a long time ago. I have no current knowledge.
As I remember, it was about 5,000 degrees. A problem that they had with EPA was the residence time which was only a couple of seconds.
I have my doubts if an induction furnace could be used.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
April 19, 2012

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