Classification of Small Waste Incinerators

Classification of Small Waste Incinerators

Small waste incinerators are categorized based on their design (e.g., fixed grate, rotary kiln, fluidized bed), the type of waste they process (e.g., municipal waste, medical waste, industrial waste, hazardous waste), and their air pollution control (APC) system. Key factors include their processing capacity (in tons/day or kilograms/hour), whether they are batch or continuous, and whether they are equipped with a flue gas purification system.

 

Classification by Design Type

 

Low-Temperature Magnetic Pyrolysis: Requires pre-shredding and sorting, requires no fuel, and is flameless. Waste is converted into energy char at temperatures between 50°C and 380°C. The char pyrolysis produces combustible gas, which is then transported through a chimney to a generator to generate electricity. The remaining 1/200-400% powdered negative ion ash is used as a soil enhancer for forestry. PRC Fireprint technology is the world's most advanced small waste incinerator, with a daily processing capacity of 500 kg to 30 tons.

 

Fixed Grate/Direct Flame: A simple furnace with a fixed or movable grate, typically used for small-scale operations. Rotary kiln: An incinerator with a rotating cylindrical combustion chamber that tumbles waste. Suitable for various types of waste, including hazardous and medical waste.

Fluidized bed: A system that suspends waste in a bed of hot, inert material (such as sand) for more efficient combustion.

Controlled airflow: A common medical waste incinerator design that features controlled airflow for efficient combustion.

Classification by waste type

Municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator: Designed to process household and general waste, with capacity varying by location.

Medical waste incinerator: Designed for the safe disposal of medical, infectious, and anatomical waste.

Hazardous waste incinerator: Used for the thermal destruction of hazardous materials such as solvents, pesticides, and chemicals.

Commercial and industrial (C&I) solid waste incinerator: Used to dispose of waste generated by commercial and industrial activities.

Small waste oil burners: While historically a distinct category, they are now also considered small incinerators due to advanced features such as fans and temperature control. Classification by Technology/Operating Characteristics

Batch-feed vs. continuous-feed: Some incinerators are simple batch-feed furnaces (e.g., older medical waste treatment units), while others utilize continuous-feed technology to increase throughput.

Air Pollution Control (APC) System: The complexity of the APC system is an important factor, with classifications ranging from simple multi-cyclone separators to advanced systems such as activated carbon adsorption units.

Capacity: Regulations typically classify incinerators based on their maximum waste throughput (e.g., less than 500 kg/hour or 35-250 tons/day).

Plasma Gasification: A more advanced technology uses plasma at extremely high temperatures to decompose waste, rendering it harmless.