Incineration of solid waste is one of the common methods of thermal processing of solid wastes. The solid waste contains combustible matter, non-combustible matter and moisture. During the process of incineration the combustible portion is burnt to final residue and ash, which is comparatively less in volume and can be used for land filling or for some suitable purpose.

Advantages:

1. Incineration plant requires much less space as compared to other disposal facilities. The plant can be located in city area itself, so that the cost of transportation is reduced.
2. Residue after incineration requires less space and thus its disposal becomes easy.
3. Large amount of released heat can be made available from incineration.

Products:

1. Gaseous products: The gases are formed during the process of combustion. If the combustion is complete CO2, H2O, SO2 and N2 will escape to the atmosphere through chimney.
2. Solid residue: This contains the non-combustibles in the solid waste and ash resulting from combustion of waste. This residue is taken out through ash pit door located, below the grates.
3. Flyash: The flyash mixed with combustion gases due to turbulence must be removed from the gases to avoid air pollution. Suitable air pollution control equipment e.g. electrostatic precipitators should be provided for this purpose.

Types of incinerators:

The incinerators can be classified according to the purpose of the incineration:

• Domestic
• Commercial
• Municipal

Incinerators are also classified as Single chamber and Multiple chamber incinerators.

Multiple chamber incinerators are divided in two classes:

• Retort type
• Inline type

Typical diagram of an Incinerator