Incineration

Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in waste materials. Incineration and other high-temperature waste treatment systems are described as "thermal treatment". Incineration of waste materials converts the waste into ash, flue gas and heat. The ash is mostly formed by the inorganic constituents of the waste and may take the form of solid lumps or particulates carried by the flue gas. The flue gases must be cleaned of gaseous and particulate pollutants before they are dispersed into the atmosphere. In some cases, the heat generated by incineration can be used to generate electric power.

Process

Incineration involves the combustion of waste at high temperatures. In the process, waste materials are converted into ash, flue gas, and heat. The heat produced can be harnessed to generate electricity, providing a sustainable source of energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Environmental Impact

While incineration can significantly reduce the volume of waste, it can also produce harmful emissions. These include particulate matter, heavy metals, and dioxins, which can pose risks to human health and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to have effective flue gas cleaning systems in place to minimize these emissions.

Regulations

Due to the potential environmental and health impacts of incineration, it is heavily regulated in many countries. Regulations typically cover emission standards, waste acceptance criteria, and monitoring requirements.

See Also

• Waste management
• Recycling
• Landfill
• Waste-to-energy

References

Incineration Resources
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