Waste Capacity of Small Incinerators

Waste Capacity of Small Incinerators

Small incinerators have a daily capacity of up to 3,000 tons, while modular incinerators typically have a daily capacity of 5 to 120 tons. The capacity depends on the specific unit's design and intended use, such as treating household waste, medical waste, or slaughterhouse byproducts. For example, some fuel-assisted incinerators process 100-150 kg of waste per day and require additional fuel.

Typical Waste Capacity and Processing Volumes

Modular incinerators: Typically have a smaller capacity, processing 5 to 120 tons of solid waste per day.

Small incinerators (typical): Capacity up to 3,000 tons per day.

Fuel-assisted incinerators: Designed to destroy 100 to 150 kg of waste, with a fuel consumption of 5 to 8 liters (4 to 6.5 kg of gas) per hour.

Capacity Example: A small incinerator evaluated for medical waste has a primary chamber volume of 1 cubic meter and a secondary chamber volume of 0.754 cubic meters.

Factors Affecting Consumption

Waste Type: The energy content and composition of the waste affect incineration capacity and efficiency. For example, some fuel-assisted incinerators cannot burn more than 15-25% plastic per burn due to the high calorific value of plastic, which can damage the incinerator.

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Potential: When the energy content of the waste is insufficient to maintain appropriate incineration temperatures, supplemental fuels such as oil or natural gas must be added.

Design and Technology: Different designs have different capacities and efficiencies. Some technologies, such as fluidized beds, require the waste to reach a certain particle size, which often requires pretreatment and selective collection.

Precautions

Emission Control: The process generates significant amounts of carbon dioxide (approximately 0.7 to 1.2 mg of CO2 per mg of municipal waste) and other pollutants. Ash: Bottom ash is highly toxic, containing alumina, silica, iron oxide, and heavy metals, posing a serious threat to worker and environmental safety.

Operating Capacity vs. Installed Capacity: Due to factors such as overbuilding in certain regions, some plants may have excess capacity and operate below their potential.