Operating Principals Services
The Pennram incinerators are offered with an automatic hydraulic loader, automatic ash removal system, and complete instrumentation for 24-hour continuous operation. They are of the controlled air type. The destruction of waste takes place in two stages. The waste is fed into the primary chamber by the automatic hydraulic loader. The primary chamber maintains a substoichiometric or starved-air atmosphere at approximately 15,000 degrees F (816 degrees C), under which condition volatile hydrocarbon gases are driven from the waste. Fixed carbons are burned in the primary chamber and remain in the form of ash.
The hydrocarbon gases flow from the primary chamber through the flameport and into the secondary chamber. The secondary chamber operates at a temperature of 1,400 to 2,000 degrees F (760 to 1,093 degree C) depending on the regulatory requirements. In the secondary chamber, the hydrocarbon gases are heated and oxidized under very turbulent conditions. The air flow to the secondary chamber is carefully controlled to maintain low oxygen content and to control exhaust temperature.
Of utmost importance is the Pennram method of control of secondary combustion air. The goal is not only clean emission and control of temperature, but also optimal fuel economy for the system. The air flow to the secondary chamber is reduced when a supply of oxygen is not needed. In this way, the chamber will not be dilution cooled to the point where additional fuel will be required to maintain minimum exhaust temperatures.
The waste heat from incineration systems are typically directed to a heat recovery boiler, hot water heater or air to air heat exchanger. Heat recovery not only provides enhanced system payback, but also reduces the cost of air pollution control equipment. If there is no need for steam of hot water, the customer may elect to utilize the waste heat to generate electricity. Pennram offers skid-mounted turbine generator packages which are both economic and reliable. Installation only requires that the utilities be connected to the skid.
Depending on customer requirements, the fuel used for the incinerator may be natural gas, diesel oil, or No. 6 fuel oil, or other fuels as directed by the customer. The system electrical supply (voltage & frequency) is dictated by the customer.
The design features of the above-mentioned incineration equipment are described further in the following sections.