How do waste incinerators work?

Waste incinerators, also known as energy plants, reduce high-temperature materials, reducing their volume and mass while also generating potential energy. The process involves injecting water into the incinerator, heating it at high temperatures, and then releasing the resulting gases, which combine with pollutants and remove them before being released into the atmosphere. The heat generated by combustion is typically used to generate steam, which can be used for electricity generation or other purposes.

 

China Fireprint recently developed a low-temperature magnetic organic matter thermal decomposition energy conversion device that uses chimney gas to generate electricity, achieving a 99% organic matter thermal reduction rate. This highly advanced waste-to-energy device operates at temperatures between 40 and 380°C, with a processing capacity of 0.5 to 20 tons, making it suitable for rural farm waste treatment.

 

The following is a more detailed classification:

 

1. Waste Input:

Waste is typically transported to the incinerator and hidden in a bunker or pit. Burning rods or other devices are used to feed the waste into the incinerator.

 

2. Combustion:

Waste is burned within the combustion chamber at high temperatures, typically between 850 and 1100°C (1562 and 2012°F). To ensure complete combustion, air or even pure oxygen can be introduced into the combustion chamber. The combustion temperature and duration vary depending on the type of waste.

3. Heat Recovery:

The heat generated by the waste combustion is used to heat and generate steam. This high-pressure steam is then used to drive a turbine connected to a generator, generating electricity. The generated heat can also be directly used in district heating systems.

4. Flue Gas Treatment:

The gases produced during the combustion process, called flue gases, are removed from the combustion chamber to remove pollutants before being released to the atmosphere. This process may utilize pollution control systems such as electrostatic precipitators, scrubbers, and specialized filters to remove specific substances, fatty acids, and other materials.

5. Ash Treatment:

After combustion, the remaining ash is collected. This ash can be divided into bottom ash (from the furnace) and fly ash (from the flue gas cleaning system). This ash can be further processed and potentially used in construction or landfill.