COMBUSTION CHAMBER

is the actual compartment (chamber) where wastes are burned (combusted) in an incinerator.

is a group of highly toxic organic compounds that are often found in herbicides. RCRA regulations require a higher destruction and removal efficiency (99.9999) for dioxins than the DRE required for most other organic compounds (99.99).

A hotter fire burns material more completely than a cooler one. Temperatures typically range from 1800°F to 2500°F.

Compounds that either do not contain carbon or do not contain hydrogen along with carbon. Inorganic compounds include metals, salts, and various carbon oxides (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide). These compounds do not combust in incinerators..

Inorganic compounds do not combust. These compounds end up either in the ash at the bottom of the combustion chamber or carried along with the combustion gases. Inorganic compounds generally are contained in or adhere to particulate matter. Air pollution control devices are used to remove particulate matter and adhering materials from the combustion gases.

In addition to carbon dioxide and water, combustion produces small quantities of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Combustion of complex organic compounds (including many hazardous wastes) may create other inorganic compounds.

are compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, and often oxygen. Organic compounds are combustible and can therefore be destroyed in an incinerator.

A well designed incinerator, when operated properly, is highly efficient, and will burn all but a small quantity of the organics in the waste. The organics that do not combust are carried along in the gases leaving the combustion chamber. As the gaseous, uncombusted organics move through the remainder of the incinerator, some are removed by air pollution control equipment. RCRA standards set a limit on emissions of designated organic compounds.

Because combustion in an incinerator is not 100 percent efficient, small quantities of "new" organic compounds may form from the breakdown and recombination of the original compounds. These compounds are called "products of incomplete combustion", or PICs, and are formed during the combustion of any organic material. Among the types of compounds found in various analyses of PICs are some that are considered toxic, including dioxins and dibenzofurans. PIC formation is minimized by maintaining high temperature for a longer period of time. Air pollution control devices also remove PICs.

include substances such as lead, cadmium, chromium, dioxin, and furan compounds.

Triple rinsing involves repeated container rinsing with water. It works best when the chemical has just been poured out, and worst when the residue is allowed to dry in the container. By rinsing immediately after emptying, the rinse water can be poured directly into the spray tank and used as makeup water.

Return to Main Menu

© Copyright