Waste reception and handling: The process begins with the reception and handling of municipal solid waste. Advanced WtE plants incorporate automated systems for waste reception, ensuring efficient and controlled intake. This phase ensures that only suitable waste materials enter the combustion chamber, optimising the energy recovery process.
Combustion chamber and grates: The heart of a WtE plant is the combustion chamber, where the actual incineration of waste takes place. Grates, such as moving grate or fluidised beds, are crucial components within the combustion chamber. These grates not only provide a stable platform for waste incineration but also facilitate the movement of waste through the combustion process. Grates are designed to optimise combustion efficiency while preventing the formation of harmful by-products.
Boiler and steam generation: The heat generated during waste combustion is harnessed through a boiler system. The boiler converts the thermal energy from the combustion process into high-pressure steam. This steam is then used to drive turbines connected to generators, ultimately producing electricity. The efficiency of the boiler system is critical for maximising energy recovery and electricity generation from the WtE process.
Flue gas treatment systems: The combustion of waste produces flue gases that contain pollutants and particulate matter. Flue gas treatment systems are deployed to ensure that these emissions are minimised before being released into the atmosphere. Components such as electrostatic precipitators, bag filters, and scrubbers are integrated into the plant to capture particulates, neutralise acid gases, and remove pollutants, ensuring compliance with the most stringent EU environmental regulations.
Air pollution control systems: To further enhance environmental performance, WtE plants employ air pollution control systems. These systems target specific pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Technologies such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and wet scrubbers play a vital role in reducing the impact of these pollutants on air quality.
Heat recovery systems: Beyond electricity generation, Waste-to-Energy plants often incorporate heat recovery systems to maximise energy utilisation. These systems capture excess heat from the combustion and the rest of the processes and repurpose it for district heating, providing additional energy benefits to the surrounding community. Combined Heat and Power or otherwise known as cogeneration systems exemplify the synergy between waste incineration and sustainable district heating.
Residue handling and material recovery: Following combustion, the remaining ash and non-combustible materials undergo further processing. Advanced residue handling systems extract ferrous and non-ferrous metals and minerals for recycling, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered from the waste stream. What is more, with new technologies, flue gas cleaning residues can also become a source of circular raw materials. The remaining ash is often processed for safe disposal or beneficial use, closing the loop on waste management.
Post time: Sep-03-2025